NATCHEZ — The Natchez Police Department caught up with the suspect of approximately 14 recent downtown car burglaries after a four-block foot chase on Woodlawn Avenue.

Frank J. Washington, 20, of West Stiers Lane was arrested Thursday morning on charges of five counts of burglary of a vehicle.

A specific street address for Washington was not provided.

Just after midnight Thursday, an officer patrolling the area for the suspect walked up to Washington to question him. Washington then ran away on foot but was caught near Jackson Street and arrested, Mullins said.

Mullins said police believe Washington is responsible for all of the recent burglaries and that he acted alone.

“We’re also investigating his involvement in other burglaries (aside from the recent string),” Mullins said.

The NPD received 14 reports of burglaries of vehicles that occurred overnight between Sunday and Monday.

Most of the reports came from South Union Street. Three vehicles were burglarized on South Pearl Street, and others were reported on South Commerce Street, State and Washington streets.

Mullins said while nothing was stolen from the majority of the vehicles, a .22 caliber Smith and Wesson gun, one Apple iPad and two Samsung phones were missing.

“So far we have recovered the pistol and a GPS unit that was stolen and several other less valuable items,” Mullins said.

Mullins said police are in the process of returning stolen property to its owners and forming evidence to charge Washington with more counts of car burglary.

Mullins said evidence at one of the scenes led police to investigate Washington as a suspect.

The burglaries occurred in unlocked cars, Mullins said.

Mullins has recommended residents lock their cars to prevent similar burglaries.

“We consistently work cases where vehicles are unlocked, and we encourage the public not to leave their vehicles unlocked,” Mullins said.