An alert citizen helped Ceres police capture an alleged auto burglar in the act early Wednesday, March 4.

"A wonderful citizen called in and guided officers to make an arrest," said Ceres Police Department spokesman Sgt. Joe Wren.

The citizen reported rolling down the street in the 3400 block of Fowler Road and seeing a man breaking into a Chevy Trailblazer SUV. A call was made to 911 at 1 a.m. The reporting party stayed on the phone and gave instruction to dispatchers who guided officers to parolee Johnathan Russell, 19, of Modesto. Russell had been convicted of burglary before but denied he was a suspect. The witness however positively identified him.

Electronic goods taken from the vehicle were returned to the Chevy's owner.

Russell was booked on charges of possession of stolen property, violation of parole, and possession of methamphetamine.