A 15-year-old Manchester youth was arrested Tuesday in Hartford — his fifth stolen vehicle arrest in one year, police said.
The teen, who was not identified because of his age, was caught on Tuesday driving the stolen 2018 Nissan Rogue through Hartford, police said. Major Crimes Auto Theft detectives were patrolling the southeast district of the city when they saw the car, which had been reported missing two days prior, police said in a report.
The owner of the car was warming it up when it was stolen, police said. The other four vehicles stolen by the Manchester teen had the keys inside them, as well, Hartford police said.
“It’s frustrating as a police department,” Hartford Deputy Chief Brian Foley said. “We bring these kids in to juvenile justice, and then they go back out.”
The juvenile in this case was arrested April 13, 2017; Aug. 13, 2017; Oct. 20, 2017; and Feb. 20, 2018, police said.
As for how to prevent motor vehicle thefts, Foley said, “It’s been said a million times.”
Youths steal cars, most with the key inside, from the suburban areas surrounding Hartford and go for joy rides through the city, Foley said. It’s a recurring pattern in the area.
Three teens were hospitalized in February after a stolen car they were in crashed on the Trinity College campus in Hartford. The car was stolen from West Hartford, also with the keys inside.
“How long before something tragic happens, and we all stand around wondering what went wrong?” Foley said.
Originally published by the Journal Inquirer.
Jackie Nappo 