INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Deputies detained three teens – including two who jumped a fence leading to an elementary school while fleeing from officers – after responding to reports of a burglary overnight, officials said.
One of the teens, a 14-year-old from Vero Beach, was charged with grand theft auto, driving without a license and six counts of auto burglary. The other two juveniles, both 15, were both charged with six counts of auto burglary, burglary to the school and resisting arrest without violence.
“Our team did an outstanding job apprehending these teen burglars early this morning. By fleeing from law enforcement, they put themselves and the residents of this area in danger,” Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar said in a statement. “We are happy to have them off the streets this morning.”
One of the 15-year-old’s was also charged with violation of probation. The other 15-year-old admitted to deputies the trio was breaking into vehicles in the area.
It was unclear if the juveniles were being held at the Indian River County Jail or taken to a juvenile detention center. The addresses where the teens live were not immediately available.
Indian River County deputies responded to reports of a burglary about 3:30 a.m. Friday in the 5000 block of 9th Place, down the street from Glendale Elementary School. Deputies spotted a vehicle they recognized had been reported stolen earlier that day, officials said.
Deputies learned the owner’s grandson, the 14-year-old, had stolen the vehicle, authorities said. When deputies approached the vehicle, the two older teens fled on foot, officials said.
The 14-year-old, who stayed with the vehicle, was detained, deputies said. Deputies began combing the area searching for the other two juveniles.
Deputies learned the teens jumped the fence and went into the campus of Glendale Elementary School. Deputies eventually detained the youths in the 900 block of 48th Avenue, authorities said.
The trio broke into at least six vehicles, deputies said. Details on if any items were stolen were not immediately available. Deputies arrested the teens.
Residents in the area who think they might have been a burglary victim should contact the sheriff’s non-emergency number at 772-569-6700.
