The observance of an off duty officer Monday afternoon led to the arrest of an 18-year-old Roanoke Rapids man on breaking and entering charges.

Sergeant Richard White was at his home, his patrol car parked in the front yard, when, looking out the window, he observed a suspicious white male enter his neighbor's house through the back door.

Captain Andy Jackson said White called his neighbor at work to ask if anyone was supposed to be at the house. The neighbor replied no and White went next door to investigate.

Identifying himself, White entered the residence and confronted the man, identified as Jason Tyler Rook of Washington Street.

A search of Rook led White to discover a handgun belonging to the resident. Further investigation, with assistance from Detective Frankie Griffin and officers Gorton Williams and Thomas Massey, led Rook to be charged with breaking and entering, larceny of a firearm and possession of stolen goods.

Rook was jailed on $10,000 secured bond and has a January 11 court date.

Jackson said White did what any off duty officer would have done when he noticed suspicious activity. “It's quite often we encounter problems like this. When we go and take the oath of office, those oaths are to uphold the laws of the United States and North Carolina. Whether we're on or off, if we observe someone breaking the law, we're obligated to take action, whether it's calling another officer or if you don't have time (to act yourself). We have that duty.”