2 arrested in connection with Norfolk break-ins

NORFOLK, Mass. (WHDH) -- A teenager was home alone when two people broke in. The suspects are being accused of breaking into several homes on Tuesday.

A 16-year-old girl was inside her home and called 911 when the suspects broke in. Officials said she heard a knock at the door, but didn’t recognize the person at the door so she didn’t answer.

“She said someone had broken into her house, she could hear someone upstairs,” said Joseph Castellano, a 911 dispatcher.

Castellano stayed on the phone with the scared teenager as police went to the house.

“Just tried to keep her calm, she was starting to lose it,” said Castellano. “It was very heroic of her to do what she did -- to go hide and be able to make the call.”

“Sixteen-year-old female in the house, she was home alone. She was hiding in the basement and could hear intruders inside the house,” said Patrolman Eric VanNess of the Norfolk Police Department.

VanNess said he immediately left the detail he was working knowing he was the closest officer. When he got to the house the suspects were on the back deck.

“Pointed my weapon at them, gave them verbal commands to show me their hands and don’t move,” said VanNess.

Authorities said Michael Couto, 45, and Chelsea Smith, 21, admitted to breaking into several homes in the area over the last few days.

Stolen property stuffed in pillow cases was found in the vehicle they were traveling in.

The suspects are in custody. Police said they were carrying pocket knives.