Suspected Thief Arrested By Police Chief After Breaking Into Car

A 31-year-old Cleveland man and a 27-year-old Parma Heights woman were charged with felony receiving stolen property after they broke into a car at a parking lot, according to .

Police are investigating whether the pair has been involved in other car break-ins at workplace parking lots in recent weeks.

Arrested and charged was Vernon E. Demeo, 31, of Cleveland, and Keri Washbrun, 27, of Parma Heights.

Demeo was charged with receiving stolen property, a felony, criminal damaging, driving under suspension and possession of drug abuse instruments. He also was wanted an a warrant for larceny in Ashtabula.

Washburn is charged with receiving stolen property and unlawful entrustment.

Police received a call that someone had broken into a car parked at Mercury Machine on Carter Street and then drove off in a black Jeep Cherokee.

Police Chief Chris Viland was out on the road and closest to the fleeing Cherokee, so he pursued.

Viland caught up with the jeep in Garfield Heights. Inside the jeep was car stereo equipment and speakers with a total value of $1,009.There was also seven hypodermic needles, including one that was used.