INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Three teens were detained overnight after deputies said they broke the front window of a gas station and stole about $3,000 worth of cigars, wine and vaping items.
The break-in prompted an Indian River County sheriff’s helicopter, K-9 deputies and crime scene detectives to respond to the scene. Deputies detained the three juveniles – along with the stolen items in backpacks – a short time later.
“Thanks to the work of patrol, dispatch, aviation, investigations, and K-9, we have three burglars in custody today. We also want to thank our partners at the Vero Beach Police Department for their assistance,” Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar said in a statement. “It is devastating to have these young juveniles committing such serious crimes in our community. We will continue to work with our community partners to keep juveniles off the streets.”
The teenagers, two 15-year-olds and a 13-year-old, were each charged with burglary, deputies said. All three were runaways from a local children’s home, deputies said.
It was unclear if the youths were taken to a juvenile detention center.
Deputies were called to an alarm that went off overnight Friday at the BP gas station, 4315 20th Street. Upon arrival, deputies saw a broken front window at the business.
Deputies detained the teens a short time later. The teens admitted to burglarizing the gas station, deputies said.
One of the juveniles who admitted to breaking into the business earlier this week was given an additional charge of burglary, deputies said.
Photos provided by Indian River County Sheriff’s Office
