Attempted Break-In Caught on Camera
An attempted vehicle burglary in Hialeah took an unexpected turn when the suspect allegedly became trapped inside the van he was trying to steal from. The incident happened on East 19th Street in a residential neighborhood where landscapers had parked their work vehicle while on the job. Surveillance video captured the entire episode. Police identified the suspect as 26 year old Dean Young. According to authorities, Young exited his own vehicle, crossed the street, and climbed into the back of a landscaping van that had been left open while workers were nearby. Investigators say he intended to steal tools and equipment stored inside.
Locked In From the Inside
What Young reportedly did not anticipate was the van being locked while he was inside. One of the landscaping workers used a key fob to secure the vehicle, unaware that someone had entered the cargo area. Once the automatic locking system engaged, all doors were sealed, trapping Young inside. Video shows Young yelling for help and banging on the interior walls of the van. At one point, he can be heard screaming that he could not breathe as he kicked and pounded on the doors in an attempt to escape.
Workers Wait for Police
The landscaper who locked the van told authorities he regularly secures his vehicle because tools are frequently targeted for theft. After realizing someone was inside, he reportedly chose not to unlock the doors immediately, fearing the individual could be armed. Instead, police were called to the scene. Officers responded and eventually unlocked the van, removing Young without further incident. No injuries were reported.
Charges and Court Appearance
Young was arrested and charged with attempted burglary and criminal mischief. Court records show he later appeared before a judge, where bond was set, though he remained held due to a separate pending case involving alleged theft of lawn equipment.
A Crime That Backfired
Tool theft from work vans remains a recurring problem across South Florida, particularly in residential neighborhoods where contractors and landscapers park vehicles filled with expensive equipment. In this case, however, the alleged crime attempt collapsed under its own poor planning. Instead of escaping with stolen property, the suspect ended up screaming for help inside a locked van, turning what police described as a straightforward attempted burglary into a viral and embarrassing arrest.
