MADISON, Tenn. – A total of 14 teenagers have been identified in a series of auto thefts and other crimes since the end of May, according to police.
Authorities said five of the 14 were taken into custody. Several others were still being sought as arrest orders were obtained.
Officials said all 14 were between the ages of 14 and 18.
Police said the investigation heightened after a KIA Spectra was stolen on South Gallatin Pike Monday, followed shortly by a Buick Lacrosse being stolen at Old Hickory Boulevard and Hickory Hills Drive.
Officers said the keys were left inside the vehicle in both cases.
Authorities spotted a parade of four stolen vehicles, including the KIA and Buick, in the area of Gwynwood Drive and Ewing Lane. Two teenage girls dropped off from these vehicles were found to be carrying a stolen .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and stolen credit cards.
Several of the vehicles were found abandoned and were recovered.
Police apprehended three young men who fled from the KIA, including 18-year-old Kevonte Jernigan.
Several of the teens were believed by officers to be involved in as many as a dozen vehicle thefts, and two guns were found inside the vehicles that may have been used to commit a carjacking and armed robberies.
Authorities said many of those involved had previous arrest records. The teens were set for the Juvenile Court process.
