Teens Suspected of String of Car Burglaries in Santa Rosa

By Bay City News

Santa Rosa police arrested two young teenagers early Thursday morning on suspicion of committing a half-dozen vehicle burglaries near the Coddingtown Mall, a police sergeant said.

Police responded at 2:15 a.m. to a report of vehicle break-ins in the area of Range and Jennings avenues, Sgt. Rich Celli said. Arriving officers saw three suspects flee, and after a short search and pursuit, they arrested two boys ages 13 and 14. 

Investigators determined that six vehicles had been burglarized, and as they were contacting the cars' owners, a male caller reported that a gun was stolen from his vehicle during a burglary on Edwards Avenue, adjacent to the mall parking lot, Celli said.

Celli said the officers talked to the juveniles about the missing gun and convinced one that it was dangerous to have a weapon outstanding in public. The juvenile then led the officers to an apartment complex on nearby Herbert Street where the loaded semi-automatic handgun was found in some bushes, Celli said.

The teens were arrested for burglary, possession of stolen property and resisting arrest, Celli said.

Police are trying to identify additional suspects in the case and are investigating whether any other cars were broken into, Celli said.

Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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