BY REBECCA BENNETT — A would-be thief is on the loose tonight after police say his attempt to rob two houses was foiled by local residents. The City of Hyattsville sent out a Nixle alert just after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9 about an active K-9 search for a Black male in dark clothes with a suitcase.

According to the Hyattsville City Police Department, a resident at home on the 5700 block of 40th Avenue startled the suspect who was attempting to break into their house.

The thief, according to police, then attempted to gain access to a house on the 3900 block of Livingston Street. A witness, who saw the suspect attempting to kick down a door, alerted authorities. Police say the family was not home.

The K-9 search did not locate the suspect, according to police.

The non-emergency number for the Hyattsville City Police Department is 301.985.5060.