Gregory and Nina Barta were on vacation when they saw surveillance video of three people allegedly stealing from their home in Romulus, Michigan. Two of the suspects are complete strangers, but the third is their own 17-year-old son.
The Bartas said that their son has had issues with truancy and incorrigibility but nothing like this.
"It was devastating to see our own son carrying our belongings out of our house," said Gregory Barta. "It's very troubling but also very scary because we have daughters. What would have happened if they were home?"
The couple immediately notified Romulus Police. Captain Joshua Monte said they are investigating and that the three suspects could face charges of home invasion and receiving and concealing stolen property.
"You feel helpless," Nina Barta said.
The couple's son had been living at home, but after the alleged burglary Monday afternoon, he didn't return. They tried to reach him through social media because he doesn't have a cell phone.
"Nothing he took was his. Everything was ours," said Gregory Barta. The items stolen include the couple's computer, jewelry, tools, televisions, and three firearms that were in a safe.
Wednesday afternoon, Action News learned that police had taken the couple's son into custody. It's possible he saw his mother's Facebook post because he went to a store in Garden City where police said he told a worker that Romulus Police were looking for him. Garden City detained the teen for Romulus Police.
Police said some of the stolen items were recovered, but not the guns.
Captain Monte said investigators are still trying to identify and locate the two other suspects seen on surveillance video.
"We have no idea who they are," said Gregory Barta.
Anyone with information on the other suspects or the stolen firearms is urged to call Romulus Police at 313-941-8400.
This article was originally written by Kimberly Craig for WXYZ.
