Jewel Theft Suspect's Loud Muffler Aids Police Investigation

Forty-six pieces of jewelry have been returned to their owner in New Castle County, Del., and two suspects are in custody.

The suspects' loud muffler attracted neighbors' attention, and those neighbors were able to provide valuable information that helped investigators find the suspects, police said.

Police responded to a report of a burglary at about 9:30 p.m. June 13. Police suspected the burglar was injured based on a broken window and drops of blood throughout the home. Neighbors told police about a greenish-blue Honda Accord with a loud muffler and a broken taillight that had been parked near the home that afternoon.

The suspect car was registered to Juan Morales, of Milford. A state police trooper went to Morales' home and witnessed an apparent cut on his arm.

Police obtained search warrants for Morales' home and the Accord, and while he was on his way to Milford Saturday, investigating Officer Bryon Fitzwater saw Morales on the side of Route 13 with car trouble, police said. Fitzwater searched the car and found jewelry hidden in the trunk.

Morales and the woman he was with, Heather Gallery, were arrested and charged with burglary, felony theft, criminal mischief and conspiracy.

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