OLYMPIA, Wash. -- A man pulled a pistol on a car prowler here Tuesday morning and held him at gunpoint until police arrived, KIRO TV News reported.

Police credit the man with solving a string of car prowls and helping to recover more than $4,000 in stolen property.

Chuck Estes awoke Tuesday to find the roof of his wife's convertible slashed and her stereo system stolen.

Estes told KIRO TV News South Sound Bureau Chief Richard Thompson that, "One thing I can't stand in life is a thief."

Estes said he was driving through his neighborhood when he spotted a vehicle suspected in the theft from his wife's car.

Estes had a .44-caliber Magnum Smith and Wesson pistol with him. He approached the suspect's car, drew his gun and ordered the teenaged occupant to put his hands on the dashboard.

Video: Victim Ends Car Prowling Spree

Estes called police who arrested the 16-year-old boy. They also arrested a 21-year-old man they say was an accomplice nearby.

Police found Estes' stolen stereo equipment in the back of the suspects' car -- along with items police say were stolen from a dozen other residents of the neighborhood.

While police do not condone private citizens confronting criminals, they do agree Estes helped a lot of people.

Estes' neighbors say they are proud of him, "Chuck, he's a hero big time," said Bob McNally who had prescription drugs stolen from his car.

Another neighbor, Delores Burkes, said, "Don't mess with Chuck, baby! Don't do it!"