Tuscaloosa Police Arrest 12-Year-Old Suspected Of Numerous Vehicle Thefts

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Police Department on Tuesday announced it had arrested a 12-year-old suspect allegedly responsible for a string of vehicle thefts over the last two months.

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TPD says the juvenile was taken into custody Saturday after an officer observed him driving a stolen vehicle at a high rate of speed on James I. Harrison Jr. Parkway.

TPD spokeswoman Stephanie Taylor said the officer conducted a traffic stop and found that the driver was wearing gloves. The suspect also had a screwdriver and other tools in his pockets.

Taylor said investigators determined the juvenile suspect was responsible for stealing eight vehicles reported stolen between March 30 and April 21, in addition to attempting to steal three vehicles between March 20 and April 3.

"He is also accused of stealing cash, a Chucky doll and a designer purse from a vehicle as well as using stolen credit cards to make more than $1,000 in online purchases," she said. Vehicle windows were broken and steering columns were damaged in each incident."

Taylor said the suspect was charged with 18 felonies and is being held at the Tuscaloosa County Juvenile Detention Center pending a court hearing.

His charges include eight counts of first-degree theft, three counts of attempted first-degree theft, five counts of fraudulent use of a credit or debit card, one count of unlawful breaking and entering a motor vehicle and one count of possession of burglar's tools.

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