BATTLE GROUND, WA (KPTV) -
A Battle Ground teenager came face-to-face with a burglar just as he was about to take off with the family's valuable possessions.
It all happened just after 1 p.m. Monday, on the 24,000 block of NE Heisson Road.
"It was disturbing to see all of your belongings, you know your precious stuff, put all into bags," said 18-year-old Eric Price.
Price said after spotting the suspect lurking in his family home, he ran out to his car and called 911.
"I just had pure adrenaline, it's scary, you know, you want to get out as soon as you can," Price said.
Clark County deputies arrived minutes later and tracked the suspect, 27-year-old John Chapin, using a K-9 unit - but they lost his scent when he ran into a marsh.
From there, deputies said Chapin broke into another home, changed clothes and took off on foot.
Deputies found him shortly after, just around the corner from the Price home.
Deputies said his clothes were dry, he had vegetation stuck to his pants and a pocket full of stolen goods.
"I had to go ID him, and when I got there he was denying that it was him, but I recognized him from my house, and he had some of the jewelry on him," Price said.
Investigators quickly learned of at least two more break-ins, all within a mile of one another. They believe Chapin is likely responsible.
Price said he's grateful deputies were able to catch him so quickly, and bring back most of their valued possessions.
Chapin is charged with numerous counts of theft and remains in the Clark County Jail on $25,000 bail. He made his first court appearance Tuesday and his next court date is set for July 6.
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