A 20-year-old man who broke into a bakery in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, on Sunday night, got the biggest shock of his life after he was set upon and beaten by irate residents.

Pete Davy, labourer, of Brighten district in the parish, had to be rescued by the Santa Cruz police, who were early on the scene.

Phone call

According to the police, about 10:15 a.m., the owner of Pastry Palace bakery, situated in the community of Doctor Rock, received a phone call from a concerned citizen that someone had broken into his business place. On his arrival there, the owner sought assistance from residents who had gathered near the building.

When he opened the door and went inside, he saw the man who had been allegedly beaten by the residents.

He was rushed to the Black River Hospital where he was treated and release in the cutsody of the Santa Cruz police. He was later arrested and charged with shop-breaking and larceny.

Detective Constable Dwayne Card siad that the man gained entry into the bakery by removing the windowpanes of two windows at the rear of the building.