Bluffton police apprehended three youths over the weekend after responding to a report of three people entering parked cars in the area of Eastland Drive.

Rick Skilliter, police chief provided the Icon with the following report:

On Friday, June 17, police officers responded to a report of three people entering parked cars in the area of Eastland Drive. The alert citizen called police at 5:05 a.m., with officers arriving within one minute of the initial call.  As officer’s announced themselves to the individuals, the trio separated, running in different directions.

An officer gave foot chase while another officer blocked the suspect’s escape route. A short time later, officers apprehended a 16-year-old Bluffton youth and transported him to the police station for questioning. 

The youth was uncooperative with authorities as they tried to identify the other two suspects. The 16-year-old male was ultimately transported to the Allen County Juvenile Treatment and Detention Center on pending charges.

Officers continued their investigation throughout the day and evening. The investigation developed a 15-year-old sibling of the 16-year-old as one of the unknown suspects. 

He was interviewed and ultimately confessed to his portion of the events.  The 15- year-old was not immediately taken into custody, but awaits formal charges upon review of the juvenile prosecutor.

The continued investigation resulted in the identification of the third suspect, a 15-year-old acquaintance of the two identified suspects. Police interviewed the male and obtained information about his role in the incident. 

As a result of the investigation and the youth’s prior history with the criminal justice system, he was taken into custody and transported to the Allen County Juvenile Treatment and Detention Center to face pending charges as well.

The investigation revealed at least two of the three youths have been involved in several incidents of rummaging through unlocked cars along Garmatter Street, Poplar Street, Triplet Drive, Jackson, Lawn, and Spring Streets during recent months.  However, there is no information linking them to the tire slashing incidents or other criminal damaging from late last year and earlier this year.  

Police officials would like to commend the alert citizen who observed the youths and immediately called 911, providing the break in the case.  Officials would also like to acknowledge the parent’s cooperation as they investigated the case.

Names of the youths are not being released pending formal charges from the juvenile prosecutor’s office.