Two 15-year-old suspects were arrested Wednesday, Feb. 5, after officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department responded to reports of individuals attempting to break into vehicles in an alley behind 334 E. Columbus Ave.
Officers were dispatched to that area shortly after 8:30 p.m. after two residents reported seeing two individuals attempting to gain access to vehicles. The pair chased the suspects and detained one until officers arrived.
Upon arrival, officers took the 15-year-old male into custody and searched the area, locating a discarded backpack. Inside, officers found a wallet belonging to another 15-year-old, along with two hats, two knives, a pair of gloves and merchandise from Dollar General. A third hat and an additional knife were also recovered nearby.
As officers continued their investigation, dispatch received a call from the second suspect, a 15-year-old male, who was at the Marathon gas station on east Sandusky Avenue reporting that he had been robbed. Officers made contact with him and confirmed his involvement in the attempted vehicle break-ins.
Witnesses told police they had received a motion alert from their security cameras and, upon reviewing the footage, saw two individuals tampering with their vehicle. The pair set out to locate the suspects and eventually found them inside a vehicle with its interior lights on. When confronted, the suspects fled on foot.
During questioning, the second suspect admitted to entering unlocked vehicles and taking hats with the first suspect. Both juveniles were transported to the Central Ohio Youth Center. One was charged with theft and vehicle trespass, while the other faces charges of theft, vehicle trespass, and persistent disorderly conduct.
Parents and guardians of both juveniles were contacted and informed of the incident.