SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of auto thefts involving the same teen since Saturday.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, police responded to a suspicious character with a weapon call in the 2700 block of North Greenwich in Wichita regarding two juveniles attempting to enter a locked vehicle, according to officer Charley Davidson.
During the investigation of the call, police located and arrested a 14-year-old who was seen running away from a stolen vehicle that had been left running earlier on Sunday.
At approximately 7:20 a.m. Monday, police responded to an auto theft just occurred call at a business in the 3400 block of South West Street in Wichita after keys were left in a vehicle.
The same 14-year-old entered the vehicle and fled, striking the 22-year-old male vehicle owner in the process. The vehicle owner sustained minor injuries.
Police quickly located the stolen vehicle and arrested the 14-year-old without further incident. He was booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility on requested charges of auto theft and aggravated battery, according to Davidson.
On Saturday, police in Derby arrested the 14-year-old juvenile in possession of a vehicle that had been stolen in Wichita on Saturday morning.
The 14-year-old has also been listed and cleared as a runaway eight times this month.
“Since the juvenile law changes, it has impacted our ability to address juvenile offenders swiftly,” said Chief Gordon Ramsay. “This has been especially concerning during this pandemic. WPD will continue working with legislatures and state associations to help address issues of juveniles who lack support, care, and oversight.”
Police remind all citizens not to leave your vehicle running unattended and not to leave your keys in your car. Doing so makes you susceptible to becoming the victim of auto theft. Take extra time and ensure you keep yourself and your property safe.