Another case of keys being left in a vehicle resulted in Wednesday night’s arrest of three teens, ages 15, 16, and 17, in a stolen 2013 Ford Edge. Of serious concern, all three were charged with vehicle theft in November after they were arrested in a stolen Mazda sedan (key left inside) on Buena Vista Pike at Tucker Road.
Juvenile Crimes Task Force officers at 10 p.m. spotted the stolen SUV on I-65 near Rosa L. Parks Boulevard. When the 15-year-old driver exited at 28th Avenue North, officers set up spike strips which caused the vehicle to stop. All three teens were taken into custody without further incident.
A nine-millimeter pistol was recovered from the SUV. The 17-year-old admitted to possessing the gun. The Ford Edge was stolen on February 24th from the 600 block of Hickory Hollings Drive. While the owner reported that all keys were in their possession, the SUV was recovered with a key in the ignition (photo below).
The 15-year-old is charged with vehicle theft and driving without a license. Including November’s arrest, he has three prior arrests for vehicle theft, including last December and in August 2017. The 2017 case also involved a charge of leaving the scene of an accident. The 16-year-old is charged with joyriding. He was also charged with joyriding in December. The 17-year-old is charged with joyriding and juvenile handgun possession.
Since January 1st, the Juvenile Crimes Task Force has recovered 46 stolen/carjacked vehicles and seized 39 guns. The Metro Nashville Police Department urges citizens to lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables, including guns, and REMOVE THE KEYS, including valet keys.
