A watchful Claremont neighbor pulled a fast one on a thief during a home invasion, leaving him no place to go, but straight to jail. According to Claremont Lieutenant Mike Ciszek, a 28-year-old man saw a ’97 Honda Accord drive up to a home located on the 700 block of Via Los Andes St. at approximately 6:36 p.m. He believed the car was stolen because it was running with no key in the ignition. With the suspected burglar out of sight, the witness entered the vehicle and drove it around the corner before calling police.

Upon their arrival, officers located the suspect, Kenneth Thomas, walking south along N. Mountain Ave and detained him at gunpoint. The Pomona resident was found to be in possession of methamphetamine as well as property stolen from the home on Via Los Andes and was positively identified by the witness as the thief. A collapsible sword, a couple of ties and a can of Sapporo beer were also found in the possession of the 47-year-old suspect who admitted to police he was driving the stolen vehicle. Mr. Thomas was arrested for burglary, possession of stolen property, vehicle theft and possession of methamphetamine. He remains in custody at Men’s Central Jail awaiting court. His bail has been set at $85,000.

See our complete police blotter coverage Friday.