Wadsworth man charged with breaking into cars in Antioch

A Wadsworth man has been charged with three counts of burglary to motor vehicles following his arrest, Antioch authorities said.

Stephen Hood, 20, of 40000 block of Delany Road, was also charged after his arrest at 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 with criminal trespass, obstructing a peace officer and possession of alcohol by a minor, officials said.

He remains held in Lake County jail in lieu of $50,000 bail, authorities said.

Authorities said officers were contacted by a witness who reported a person was spotted burglarizing vehicles in the Tiffany Farms subdivision.

When they arrived, officers saw someone running from the area, authorities said. Following a short police chase, Hood was stopped and was taken into custody, authorities said.

Officers said they recovered a black bag that Hood tried to drop during the chase. Police said they found several IDs and electronic items not belonging to him inside the bag.

Authorities said several car burglary victims in the subdivision claimed the items that were recovered.

“I commend an alert citizen who was willing to get involved,” said Antioch Police Chief Craig Somerville. “When you combine that with the quick and effective response of our midnight shift officers, an offender is taken into custody, property is recovered and additional incidents are prevented.”

If found guilty of the most serious crime, Hood could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

Hood is due to return to court Oct. 22.