JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Two men are in police custody following a standoff at a south Jackson home that lasted several hours Saturday afternoon.
Jackson police were called to 322 Woody Drive at 12:23 p.m. Saturday to what they believed to be a burglar inside a home.
One suspect was arrested shortly after police arrived. A second man remained in the house. Police believed he was armed. The suspect eventually surrendered to SWAT officers about 3:15 p.m.
It's unclear what charges the suspects -- 21-year-old Daryl Young and 20-year-old Lee Thompson -- will face.
Investigators were quick to credit a neighbor for seeing the men break into the house and call police.
"We have very, very strong neighborhood associations in south Jackson. The individuals in this area take a personal interest in what's going on in their communities and they have no problem contacting the police," said Jackson Police Chief Rebecca Coleman.
The house is owned by a man in Texas, who wasn't at home during the burglary.
Neighbor Faye Smith says crime is rare in the neighborhood because people watch out for one another.
"If somebody was going into my house, somebody would be watching and alert the police. So, if I see anybody going into somebody's house, I'll be glad to dial 911," Smith said.
The surrender didn't come without some tense moments. Officers stood nearby in the pouring rain, warning residents to stay away.
Four nearby homes were evacuated after learning one of the suspects could be armed. The homeowners were allowed back in their homes after the standoff was over. At least one grateful family provided water for officers and firefighters.
A large police presence with swat team members, a mobile command center and the department's top brass were on hand for the stand off.
"That's one of the things that we've, in the past, have gotten some complaints about -- response time. So, today is a prime example that those type of issues should not be. We definitely believe that when an incident occurs, be it in progress or has already happened, we will have a quick response," Coleman said.
Smith didn't mind the large police response and will be ready if something similar should happen at her house.
"I got a gun permit. I got, you know, a gun. If I catch one in mine I'm gone leave them right there," Smith said.
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