An 8-year-old boy who saw someone break into his parents’ car late Sunday night helped Brookhaven police capture a person of interest in six other car break-ins.

The boy was looking out the window of his Dresden Drive home when he saw a man break into his parents’ car, spokeswoman Megan Matteucci said Monday. He told his mother, and she called police.

Not only did the boy give police a detailed description of the suspect and what he saw, he directed officers to the construction site where the suspect fled, Matteucci said.

They found the suspect at that exact location, arrested him and took him to the DeKalb County jail on entering auto, loitering and prowling charges, she said. A second man was also arrested on loitering charges.

“This suspect would still be on the street without the tip we got from this little boy,” patrol division Commander Lt. Juan Grullon said. “He was so articulate, alert and detailed that it helped us find the suspect right away. These are the type of partnerships that help keep our community safe.”

Chief Gary Yandura will recognize the boy at an upcoming city council meeting with a letter of appreciation.

Because of the ongoing investigation, police did not release the name of the suspect Monday.

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