Third burglary ring suspect arrested

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Pensacola Police said they arrested the third suspect in a burglary ring that stretched between Gulf Breeze and Perdido Key and is responsible for at least 50 crimes.

 Decker Brooks, 21, turned himself in on January 28 at the Pensacola Police Department.

He was charged with eight counts of burglary, eight counts of grand theft, four counts of criminal mischief, one count grand theft vehicle, one count fleeing/eluding police, and one count hit and run.

"This is a good feeling because, of course, because when you're not getting them off the street, it's a stressful feeling. A lot of people might not realize it, but when we go home for the day, we're concerned about our residences being safe just like anybody else would be," said PPD Captain David Alexander.

According to police, Brooks isn't the last suspect in this case. A fourth man is facing eight burglary charges, but warrants on him are not yet active.

Shots fired on Whitney Drive in early December 2012 alerted authorities to the ring. 

Police said they were forced to fire on Jo-Kavious Wilson, 18, and Desmond Phillip, 20, after the two men tried to run over the officers in a stolen vehicle. Police were patrolling the area and spotted the men at the front door of this home.

Phillip has since been released. Wilson remains locked up as a part of the ring. 

Investigators said 19-year-old John Flynn is the group's leader. Flynn was arrested January 8 and charged with 10 counts of burglary, 11 counts of larceny, 4 counts of criminal mischief and one count of vehicle theft. The Escambia County Jail shows he is still behind bars as of January 30.

Captain Alexander knows the importance of getting these men off the streets, especially since crime fighting efforts in Mobile appear to be working.

"That's why we put forth the effort we do every day," Captain Alexander said.  "We're working relentlessly every day to put a dent and bring the numbers down. But in order to do this, we need cooperation from the community as well."

Captain Alexander has a message for the fourth suspect.

"It's just a matter of time [before you're caught]," Captain Alexander said. "And if you know like I know,  you better quit while you have a chance."