CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- He was taking care of his two-year-old sister when, according to a Chesterfield mom, her 13-year-old boy, in an act of bravery, called 911 and helped distract two armed suspects until police arrived seconds later.
The breaking-and-entering happened around 1:30 p.m. on Clivedon Court near Courthouse Road on Wednesday.
With specialty K-9's and a forensic officer with a metal detector roaming outside a short while later, police deployed all their resources trying to locate a gun they believe a suspect ditched as he was running out of a house and away from police.
“It's terrifying to know that," said Angel Ramirez, who lives nearby.
The young teen at home watching his toddler sister, came face-to-face with the burglars inside the house. The boy’s mother told CBS-6 off-camera that her son protected his sibling then stalled them until police got there.
One suspect did manage to run out of the house with a gaming system, but quickly dropped it when he realized he was surrounded by police.
"You never want that to happen to kids," said David Britton, who lives a few doors down. "My heart goes out to them. The older one though, was just so brave, but I know it was a devastating experience for them."
Police arrested Marquis Mason and Michael Brown on scene. Both were charged with firearms violations, burglary, larceny and other charges. Police were able to identify one of the men with his prison ID card, something neighbors say is disheartening.
Marquis Mason and Michael Brown (PHOTOS: Chesterfield Police)
"They say when you get out, there's always a good chance you'll re-offend, I guess," said Britton.
Neighbors said something good that has come from the kids’ bad experience, was they've all now exchanged phone numbers and promised to pay closer attention while neighbors were at work or away.
"I'm usually here because I'm a disabled veteran,” said Ramirez. “I am armed. They come over here, I will shoot them."
Brown and Mason are both locked up at the Chesterfield County Jail. Police recovered the game console, but have not said whether they found the weapon.
