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A burglar was caught in the act by Tullahoma police after he tried barricade himself inside the residence only to get pepper sprayed once police found him hiding in the attic at the scene of the crime.

The suspect, Daniel Earl Vaughn, 24, is charged with burglary. Police responded to the East Grundy Street scene after the resident told them that there was a burglary in progress and that the burglar was still there.

“She could see him on her cameras,” police said, noting officer saw the suspect open a side door when they arrived. “We gave him orders to show his hands and the offender closed the door and bolt locked it.”

Police then surrounded the residence to make sure the burglar could not escape and were then given permission by the homeowner to make entry by any means necessary. Police were able to get into the house but could not immediately find the burglar.

“While clearing rooms it was found that there was a crawl space in the ceiling with items lying on top of the hatched door,” police revealed, noting that the suspect was given several commands at that point to give himself up. “After giving several verbal commands to come out, pepper spray was deployed throughout the whole attic.”

After spraying the area, police were able to open the hatched door and take Vaughn into custody. During questioning it was learned that Vaughn and another subject gained entry to the residence by smashing out a window. He then took a backpack with games and a PS5. The loot was worth approximately $1,320. Vaughn told police he dropped his ill-gotten booty when he saw them and took refuge in the attic.