Florida ‘Dumb Crook’ Reportedly Breaks Into Van, Ends Up Locked Inside Screaming For Help [WATCH]

A 26-year-old man in Hialeah, Florida, is facing burglary and criminal mischief charges after police say he broke into a van and ended up locked inside when the vehicle’s owner shut the doors and waited for officers to arrive, as reported by The Blaze.

Authorities identified the suspect as Dean Young. The incident unfolded on Wednesday in a Hialeah neighborhood and was captured on surveillance video.

According to police, Young allegedly attempted to steal items from inside a van. After entering the vehicle, the owner locked the doors from the outside, trapping him inside until officers arrived on the scene.

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Video from the area shows Young screaming and kicking at the doors while inside the van.

“Help me! I’m inside!” the man yells. “I can’t breathe!”

Young later told police that he was handing out business cards and had been chased into the van by a dog. However, surveillance footage obtained by WTVJ-TV appeared to contradict that claim, showing him exiting his own car and sneaking up to the van before entering it.

Homeowner Nercy Toledo described the scene and explained why the van’s owner chose not to immediately unlock the vehicle.

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“There were machetes inside the truck, and he could’ve just come out and hurt anybody, so they left him in there,” Toledo said.

Toledo also commented on the incident after Young was taken into custody.

“I think it’s funny. It’s a dumb crook. I guess now he’s watching the news and inside the jail,” she said.

Young faces charges of burglary and criminal mischief. Court records indicate he was given a bond set at $1,500, but will remain in jail.

According to Toledo, local law enforcement viewed the arrest as notable.

“The Hialeah Police Department was really happy ’cause this is incredible. This is the best arrest they’ve ever made, they told me,” Toledo told WSVN-TV.

Police have not indicated that anyone was injured during the incident. The surveillance video reportedly shows Young entering the van without permission, and authorities say the case remains under investigation.

The incident has drawn attention locally after footage circulated online showing Young’s attempts to get out of the locked vehicle.

Officers responded after the van’s owner contacted authorities and waited on scene rather than confronting the suspect directly.

Young’s explanation that a dog chased him into the vehicle was dismissed by investigators after reviewing the security footage. Police said the video shows him approaching the van after leaving his own car.

Hialeah police have not released additional details about whether Young had prior criminal history.

The case is pending in local court as Young remains in custody.

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