Sonora, CA…On Saturday, Sonora Police arrested 22-year-old Joseph Alan Jennings of Sonora on felony theft charges. He is accused of taking a metal detector, tools, and other items from a garage on the 300 block of North Washington Street. On Friday, March 26, a neighbor’s home surveillance video caught the crime on tape, prompting the victim to share the video with the Police Department. The following evening, a patrol sergeant stopped Jennings, who was operating a golf cart on Linoberg Street, and summoned the investigating officer to the scene. The officer was able to identify Jennings as the suspect in the previously reported theft and ultimately booked him for burglary.

The golf cart Jennings was driving was determined to be stolen from a location in the county. That incident is being investigated by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department.

This is another great example of how home surveillance footage can be a great tool for solving crimes. There are many affordable options out there, but pay attention to image quality before investing.

“Individuals identified herein were arrested on suspicion of the crimes for which they have been charged. All such charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”