Police on Hawaii’s Big Island say they’ve arrested a man suspected of burglarizing homes in a neighborhood where lava forced evacuations.

Police say a Leilani Estates resident returned to his home Wednesday to retrieve personal belongings when he saw the man leaving his house.

The resident and a friend took the suspect to police officers, who arrested him.

Police say the suspect is linked to another burglary in Leilani Estates.

The subdivision was ordered to evacuate when lava began oozing from cracks in the ground last week. Authorities are allowing residents back in to check on their properties daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. if it’s safe to do so.

Some residents have refused to leave because of fears their homes will be looted.

Related Video