Two LaPorte boys, 16 and 17, were arrested Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, as police were investigating a rash of vehicle thefts in the areas of I, K, L, 16th, 18th, and 6th streets.
LaPorte Police were initially called to the 100 block of I Street at about 3 a.m. regarding the theft of a briefcase from a truck. The victim told police he last saw the bag inside his unlocked truck at around 10 p.m. He came out to the vehicle at around 3 a.m. and discovered it was missing.
About a half hour later, police responded to the area of 1600 K St. regarding a vehicle alarm. The owner said he was in his home getting ready for work when he heard the alarm, grabbed his shotgun and went outside, but did not see anyone. His vehicle had been ransacked and loose change was taken from the center console.
At the same time, other city officers reported that they spotted two teens in the area of West 16th and K streets. They saw one of the boys come out from behind a tree carrying a briefcase. Police approached him and he told them he found the case lying abandoned and did not know what was inside it. The case, which matched the description of the one stolen, contained various cellphones, iPods and car chargers.
As officers were apprehending that teen, they saw a second teen ducking behind an evergreen on West 16th Street. He ran even after officers identified themselves and told him to stop. Police apprehended him after a short chase and found various items in his backpack and pockets, including electronic items.
Both boys are charged with receiving stolen property, violation of ABC acts and curfew violation. The 17-year-old is also charged with resisting law enforcement.
If you or someone you know had items stolen from a vehicle, contact LaPorte Police Det. Cpl. Brian Phillips at 362-9446, ext. 205, to see if your property has been recovered. Please be prepared to provide a description of the missing item(s).