Juveniles charged
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Two juveniles were charged over the weekend in connection with car burglaries in the Star City.
“In the early morning hours of Saturday, May 14, a concerned citizen called to report he witnessed two males attempting to break into cars parked in the downtown area of Presque Isle,” said Det. Sgt. Wayne Selfridge, Criminal Investigation Division, Presque Isle Police Department.
Selfridge and Officers Lynn Hartley and Kevin Reed were dispatched to investigate. Two youths fitting the description given by the caller were observed and followed.
“We watched while they illegally entered an unlocked car. The two juveniles, age 14 and 15, were charged with a felony burglary of a motor vehicle for breaking a window of a pick-up truck and stealing two MP-3 players,” Selfridge said.
In addition, the youths, whose names are not being released, were charged with multiple counts, including: criminal attempt of theft, criminal mischief, theft and misdemeanor burglary of a motor vehicle.
“The youths, who can’t be named due to their age, preyed on four locations in the downtown area off of Riverside Drive, as well as State, Church and Main streets. Approximately $100 in stolen property was recovered and damage to one vehicle is estimated at $400. The remainder of the vehicles burlgarized were unlocked,” said the detective.
Selfridge said both boys, who have prior juvenile criminal history, were given summons and remanded in the care of their parents. They are scheduled to appear in Presque Isle District Court in June.
“At this time, at least five vehicles are known to have been vandalized or burglarized. We’re asking other possible victims who were parked close to the scene during the late evening of May 13 into the morning of May 14 to report if their cars had anything stolen or were ransacked” in an attempt by someone looking for valuables, said Selfridge.
The PIPD reminds citizens to lock their vehicles and place any valuable objects out of sight so as not to entice entry.
“As pleasant weather approaches, the criminal element is more likely to be wandering outdoors looking for easy targets,” said Selfridge.
Anyone with additional information to report on this or any crime is asked to contact the PIPD, 764-4476.
