After a speeding car in the Hill Section piqued Scranton Police Chief Dan Duffy’s curiosity Tuesday morning, in the vehicle he found two juveniles who are allegedly responsible for a string of car thefts.
The ensuing investigation by Officer Michael Carachilo, the department’s auto theft task force investigator, recovered three stolen vehicles in addition to the stolen Kia sedan in which the 16-year-old driver and 15-year-old passenger were first seen.
Chief Duffy said the investigation began when he noticed the Kia speeding up Linden Street while he was stopped at a red light at Harrison Avenue, and decided to follow the vehicle.
"I said ‘You know what? Something’s wrong with that,’â" Chief Duffy said. "they could have just robbed someone for all I knew."
When the vehicle pulled over in the 400 block of Colfax Avenue and the passenger got out, Chief Duffy said he pulled in front of the car and went to speak to its driver as the passenger fled the scene.
"as soon as I started talking to the driver, I immediately suspected the car was stolen," Chief Duffy said. "he didn’t know anything about the vehicle. he was nervous; there was one single key in the ignition."
Chief Duffy said he issued a "be on the lookout" report for the passenger – who was later apprehended at his home by an officer who knew him by the nickname "Chuckles" that the driver provided. he also asked to have the Kia’s registration checked to see if the vehicle was stolen.
When Officer Carachilo confirmed that the car was reported stolen, Chief Duffy said he handcuffed the 16-year-old and took him into custody before going to identify the other teen for the officers who had taken him into custody.
In interviews with Officer Carachilo, the two juveniles confessed to stealing three additional vehicles and revealed the locations, Chief Duffy said.
Both are charged with receiving stolen property, theft of motor vehicles and criminal conspiracy, he said.
While four cars had already been recovered as of Tuesday, Chief Duffy said the investigation is continuing and is expected to turn up additional vehicles, including one stolen in Dunmore.
"We are anticipating additional vehicles and also the possibility of additional suspects," Chief Duffy said. "this is solving a number of stolen vehicle cases in our area."
Chief Duffy said the passenger and driver – who did not have a driver’s license – would be charged by juvenile petition.
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