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PORT NECHES — A homeowner in Port Neches was awakened by a ski mask wearing intruder early Friday morning.

The would-be burglar, later identified as Randy Arline, 57, of Port Arthur, fled the scene before police arrived but was caught not long afterward, according to information from the Port Neches Police Department.

PNPD was called at approximately 12:33 a.m. Friday to the 3100 block of Williamsburg Lane in reference to a residential burglary that had just occurred.

The alleged suspect fled the scene. PNPD Sergeant H. Smith and Nederland Officer Police R. Perriraz were heading down Industrial Boulevard from the South and North, respectively, when both observed the suspect running across Industrial Boulevard heading towards Twin City Highway.

Perriraz pursued the subject on foot, while Smith circled around to cut off the suspect and establish a perimeter. Perriraz caught the suspect, and prevented his escape until PNPD Officer W. Navarre arrived and assisted in the apprehension of the suspect, who was found to be in possession of a screwdriver. It is believed the suspect made entry into the residence through an unlocked patio door. Officers A. Guerrero and R. Smith conducted the field investigation at the residence.

Arline was transported to the Jefferson County Jail and booked in on charges of burglary of a habitation, evading arrest/detention, and failure to identify.

“Great job to all officers involved. This is yet another example of the effective teamwork between Mid-County agencies in the effort to keep our communities safe,” PNPD Chief Cheri Griffith said.