Thanks to a neighbor’s watchful eye, Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies nabbed a burglary suspect when he walked out of the victim’s house with his pockets stuffed with stolen jewelry, deputies said.

A neighbor called the sheriff’s office about 11 a.m. to report she saw a man breaking out a window at a home nearby, Cpl. David Foote reported. Deputies responded within two minutes to Brandy Simmons’ home on Bridle Drive where they saw the man walking out of the home. Foote and Deputy Mark Barnes asked the man what he was doing.

 “Trying to steal,” replied suspect Patrick S. Laforest, 22, who lives a few houses down from Simmons.

Foote searched Laforest and recovered a jewelry box containing rings and a necklace and loose jewelry including rings, earrings and another necklace.

Before being taken to jail, Laforest said he suffered a panic attack so he was taken to Middle Tennessee Medical Center. While at the hospital, Laforest asked Barnes, “How did you know I was breaking in?”

Sgt. Mike George credited the neighbor for calling the sheriff’s office immediately when she saw a man breaking into the home.

“Thanks to a very concerned and observant neighbor,” George said. “She was paying attention. That’s the key. It’s people like that who help us to do our jobs.”

After being released, Barnes took Laforest to Rutherford County Adult Detention Center where Foote charged him with aggravated burglary, theft, vandalism and possession of burglary tools. Laforest remains in jail after his bond was tripled to $39,000 because he was out on bond for other charges. A hearing is set Feb. 15 in General Sessions Court.

George, Lt. Britt Reed, Lt. Ty Downing and Deputy James Davis backed up Foote and Barnes for the initial call. Detective Lt. Todd Sparks and Detective Richard Brinkley responded. Brinkley seized Laforest’s Honda he drove to Simmons’ home.

Citizens who see burglars breaking into homes and vehicles are asked to call the sheriff’s office immediately at 898-7770 and if possible give a description of the suspect, a vehicle and a license plate number.