13-year-old among 2 teens arrested for Peoria vehicle burglary

PEORIA (25News Now) - Two teens, ages 13 and 15, were arrested before dawn on Friday for allegedly breaking into a car on Peoria’s West Bluff.

The arrests of the juveniles come during a week in which local authorities announced they received a multi-million-dollar grant to set up an auto crimes task force. Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos told the city council Tuesday night that the county is one of the worst in the state for car thefts, and Sheriff Chris Watkins told 25News Thursday that juveniles, some as young as 12, are often behind a rash of car thefts locally.

A news release sent out Friday said police were called just before 3:30 a.m. to the 1400 block of North Machin Avenue, between West Chester Street and West Armstrong Avenue, for a report that three boys trying to break into the vehicle.

Police were told one of the youths was armed with a handgun.

Officers said they found two boys with burglary tools and gloves who matched the suspects’ description.

The youths each face charges of attempted motor vehicle theft, possession of burglary tools and criminal damage to property. The 13-year-old also faces an aggravated assault charge. He was taken to the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center while the 15-year-old was released into his parents’ custody, according to police.