Police Connect Tulsa Teen To Several Crimes

Tulsa Police have connected a 14-year-old boy to several crimes over the past month. They say he's broken into several cars, at least one home and a vape shop. 

They say right now he's behind bars, but he could get out soon and the victims of these crimes wish something more could be done to keep him

“I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that a 14-year-old could get mixed up with guns and robbing places and it’s just crazy,” said Eco-Smoke Owner Howard Partin.

Howard Partin says two teens shot out the door of his vape shop and broke in a few weeks ago. He claims the stole $5,000 in merchandise and caused $8,000 in damage.

08/30/2018 Related Story: Tulsa Vape Shop Falls Victim To Thieves

"They decided to smash the glass and grabbed what they could," said Partin.

Surveillance video helped Tulsa Police identify the teens. One of them had just been arrested for burglarizing cars, but he was already back on the streets.

“They’re breaking into places and not being held responsible and they are let out in a couple of days and I don’t see any reason why they would want to stop,” said Partin.

Then the vape store suspect was caught on camera stealing keys, a wallet, and two cars while the homeowner was sleeping. The teen is now back in jail for burglary and TPD hopes this will keep him locked up longer.

09/19/2018 Related Story: Tulsa Man Uses Cell Phone App To Track Down Stolen Car

“He committed first-degree burglary of a residence while people were at home asleep so that’s definitely a concern for citizens and himself,” said TPD Detective Greg Mitchell.

Detective Greg Mitchell says they see a lot of the same suspects with burglaries but when they are underage, there isn't much they can do.

“Some people learn their lesson and no longer commit these crimes but for the most part all we can do is our job and that’s the best we can do,” said Mitchell.

“It’s one thing if the kid gets caught one time, they learn, they straighten up or whatever but if its 3 or 4 times in just a couple of weeks then something else needs to be done,” said Partin.

Police are still looking for the girl that was involved with the vape store burglary.  So, if you recognize her or know where she could be, call Crime Stoppers.