Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD auto theft detectives arrested two teen-agers – a boyfriend and girlfriend – for involving their younger siblings in a joy ride after stealing a city bait car on Saturday.
Detectives identified and arrested the 14-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl on several felony charges, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Detectives also identified a 12-year-old boy, a 10-year-old girl, and a 5-year-old boy who were released to their parents. CYFD was notified of the incident.
Detectives were alerted around 5 p.m. that a city-owned bait car, a red Kia, was stolen from the area of 3847 Montgomery Blvd., N.E. Three of the kids illegally entered the car and the 14-year-old manipulated the ignition with the help of the 12-year-old to start the car. The 12-year-old and 10-year-old were seen telling the 15-year-old how to put the car in reverse and how to use the brake pedal. They eventually drove away.
The 14-year-old boy drove and picked up his girlfriend, who entered the car along with the boy’s 5-year-old brother.
Detectives used extra precautions when they learned the young child was inside the stolen car they were following. They allowed the teen-age driver to take the car to a safe place and remotely disabled the bait car near Montgomery Blvd and Morningside Dr., N.E.
Rather than attempt a foot pursuit, detectives covertly watched the kids walk to an apartment complex north of Montgomery Blvd. Detectives made a plan to approach and they contacted the mother of the 15-year-old boy. The parents of the other kids were called and responded to the apartment complex.
