14-year-old arrested after series of car break-ins, search for second suspect

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Authorities with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said they have arrested a teenager following multiple car break-ins.

Officers said they received several calls around 1:45 a.m. Thursday about suspicious people walking around the Wright area and trying to open cars. They said when they arrived at the scene, they saw two people jumping fences to escape.

Officers reported that while searching the neighborhood, they saw a teenager matching the description of one of the suspects walking near Woodbine Court and Homewood Drive on Jonquil Avenue. They said the teen told them he was on his way home from a friend's house, but officers claimed his story was untrue.

According to investigators, the 14-year-old teenager from Wright admitted to testing the door handles of unlocked cars and then stealing cash and other items from inside the vehicle.

Officials said the teen was taken to Florida Juvenile Court and faces charges of burglary, theft and loitering. They said the investigation into the identity of the second person is ongoing.

Okaloosa County Sheriff's officials remind the public to lock their cars, take their keys and hide their valuables.

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