Sleeping burglary suspect caught at scene by U.S. police

A burglary suspect who fell asleep at the scene of the crime was caught by police officers early Thursday morning at a gas station in Redding in western U.S. state of California, said local authorities.

Police officers responded at 3:09 a.m local time to calls of a break-in at a Shell Gas station located at Churn Creek Road and Hartnell Avenue in the City of Redding in Northern California, said Redding Police Department in a press release on Thursday.

Police Officers learned there had been a window smash at the business and several articles were taken. They reviewed surveillance footage from the business to obtain a description of the suspect.

Officers then canvassed the area and located the burglar sleeping behind the business, according to the press release.

The suspect was identified as Earle Keys, 55 years old, of Redding. He was found with several articles of stolen property on his person.

Keys was arrested for and booked at the Shasta County Jail for burglary and possession of stolen property.

Redding is the county seat of Shasta County, located around 261 kilometers north of Sacramento.