WAUWATOSA — Ten teens were arrested over the weekend after police say they attempted to steal a running vehicle in Wauwatosa. The suspects ranged from 13 to 16-years-old, and two of their number were reported missing, but have since been reunited with family, police say.
Wauwatosa police said in a statement Monday that it started when a person reported that a suspect walked up to him while he was using his snowblower and allegedly demanded everything in his pockets. The suspect reached into the victim's pockets and found they were empty, however, and left empty-handed, according to police.
The victim told officers that the suspect was accompanied by two other people, who left in an SUV. Officers eventually determined the vehicle in question was one reported stolen out of Milwaukee the day before.
A few hours later, the stolen vehicle was spotted in the area of West Meinecke Avenue and North 85th Street. Near that scene, responding officers discovered a number of people allegedly trying to steal a vehicle that was parked, unoccupied and running.
As officers approached, one person tried to run away but was caught by officers, Wauwatosa police say. The remaining nine people stayed and were arrested.
A 17-year-old was brought to the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility, and a 16-year-old was brought to the Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center on an outstanding warrant for vehicle theft.
The other eight juveniles, ranging from 13 to 16-years-old, were interviewed and released to parents. Two of their number had been reported missing and were subsequently united with family.
Charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
It remains an active investigation and the Wauwatosa Police Department is asking residents in the above-mentioned areas to check their doorbell or security cameras for footage during the time frames of 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. Contact the Wauwatosa Police Department Investigative Division at 414-471-8430.
