A UPS driver is being credited for helping police find four suspects who broke into a La Jolla home and robbed four people at gunpoint, including well known author and philanthropist Jeanne Jones.
Don Breitenberg says a group of men came to the door shortly after 6 p.m. in the 6600 block of La Jolla Scenic Drive, claiming to have a flower delivery for his wife, Jeanne Jones. When they opened the door, the men forced their way inside.
The suspects allegedly tied up Jones, her husband, mother and a female caregiver with zip ties, while pointing guns at them. Breitenberg said a suspect hit one of the women in the head.
The suspects demanded to see the safe. Breitenberg said he opened the safe for them and the men stole jewelry and cash.
A UPS driver saw two or three masked men leaving the home in a yellow Nissan Xterra and called police with a partial plate number. When police arrived at the home, they found the victims bound with zip ties.
The victims weren't seriously injured but one of the women had to be taken to a hospital after suffering a cut on her head, police said.
After getting the call from the UPS driver, a police helicopter quickly found the yellow Nissan heading east on Highway 52. An officer pulled over the vehicle near Regents Road and arrested the four people inside.
"We found a weapon, we found evidence that's consistent with a home invasion robbery, with much of it the victim's property," said Lt. David Rohowits.
Don says it was incredible luck that a UPS driver happened to see the suspects leave and call police. He says they are all fine, and very grateful to that UPS driver.
