OHIO — Richmond Police arrested three suspects, including two juveniles and an 18-year-old, after recovering a stolen vehicle this week.
The vehicle was reported stolen Monday from the 500 block of North 17th Street. Officers later found it abandoned in a grass lot just a few blocks away.
Police said three suspects were located nearby with items believed to have been taken from the vehicle, including a purse and a debit card. One juvenile reportedly claimed the purse belonged to his mother, but police determined it did not. Investigators said the suspects also attempted to use the stolen debit card.
One juvenile was taken to a youth facility on charges of vehicle theft, theft, and credit card fraud. Another juvenile faces charges of vehicle theft and theft.
Eighteen-year-old David Phenis was arrested on charges of vehicle theft and theft.
“Richmond Police will not make excuses for criminal behavior. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, if you choose to steal from our citizens, you choose the consequences that come with it. Accountability is not optional,” Police Chief Kyle Weatherly said in a statement.
The department also urged parents and guardians to take a more active role in supervising their children. “Our officers are out here protecting this city, but prevention begins at home,” police wrote in a social media post.
