Suspect Arrested During Drone Surveillance Operation
Corpus Christi Police Department
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) - Corpus Christi Police Officers arrested a 25-year-old man early Sunday morning after CCPD drone operators observed the suspect attempting to break into an apartment located on the 3800 block of Caravelle Parkway. The arrest took place during a planned surveillance operation coordinated by the Criminal Investigations Division Special Victims Unit that included officers with the CCPD Violent Crimes Unit, Gang Unit, Drone Team, and Operations Division officers. Sunday’s operation was one of many similar operations conducted by CCPD in response to a string of early morning burglaries occurring over the past sixteen months at apartment complexes near the intersection of Weber and Holly Roads.
The suspect in the previous burglaries appeared to target apartments occupied by single women, making entry through unlocked windows or sliding glass doors during the early morning hours between 3:00 am to 6:00 am. Several victims reported being startled awake by an intruder in their bedroom, whom they described as a tall, thin Black or Hispanic male, often wearing a ski mask, dark colored hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and, in at least one instance, wearing just socks. Some victims reported being forcibly fondled or sexually molested. The suspect would then quickly flee on foot as soon as the victim began screaming for help.
On Sunday April 12th, at approximately 4:40 am, a CCPD Drone operator reported seeing a suspicious individual walking between buildings at an apartment complex located at 3802 Caravelle Parkway. The drone operator followed the suspect, who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and light-colored pants, as the suspect removed his shoes and then climbed over a short fence into the patio area of an apartment. The suspect appeared to attempt to open a sliding glass door on the apartment for several minutes, before climbing back over the fence onto the sidewalk and continuing to walk through the complex. The suspect later stopped at another apartment and appeared to be peering over the patio fence, before continuing on. Uniformed officers quickly responded to the scene and took the suspect, identified as Jamille Dejuan Harris, age 25, into custody. Harris was arrested for attempted burglary, tampering with evidence, and evading arrest in addition to two outstanding Nueces County Warrants.
Following his arrest, SVU Detectives interviewed Harris and obtained a search warrant for his apartment, which was located within the same complex where he was arrested. As a result, Detectives obtained additional evidence that connected Harris to at least one of the prior burglaries, and are continuing to diligently follow leads.
This case is an active investigation and further charges are likely. Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the Criminal Investigation Division at (361) 826-2840. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can submit tips to CrimeStoppers at (361) 888-TIPS or 888-8477.
