Presence of off-duty officers proves stroke of luck at golf course

SACRAMENTO — Three off-duty police officers took time off from their Saturday afternoon golf game to intercept a burglar who had broken into a nearby business used to tweak golfers’ performance.
Chris Shippen, Luis Canela and Todd Culp — all employed with the Sacramento Police Department — had just purchased a bucket of golf balls at the Haggin Oaks Golf Course in the 3600 block of Fulton Avenue when the three men heard an audible burglar alarm from the pay kiosk at which they were standing. The alarm was coming from The Morton Golf Player Performance Studio and Test Center, which is used by Haggin Oaks staff to study and analyze players’ swings and overall performance. The building houses golf clubs, video equipment, computers and other electronics.
The off-duty officers turned their attention to the building and saw a man running out with a large object in his hands. Officers confirmed with the kiosk attendant that no one was supposed to be in the building and began running after the man, later identified as Nicholas Heiser, 25.
As they pursued Heiser, the officers identified themselves as off-duty police officers. After a short foot pursuit, the officers caught up with Heiser and detained him. On-duty officers responded to assist.
Officers determined that Heiser broke into the building by smashing a window and stole a video recorder and a tri-pod stand. Heiser was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Jail on burglary and violation of probation charges.

Nicholas Heiser