Teens Charged with Burglary, Auto Theft

Two juveniles were taken into custody early Tuesday morning after they were caught inside a Park Avenue business.

Paducah Police report that an officer saw a red pickup truck and a white car pull into several businesses along Park Avenue about 1 am, each time waiting only a few minutes. The two eventually stopped in the parking lot of Stacy Motors.

The officer said when he approached, the vehicles were empty, and he saw two people inside the building, who were detained. Police say their investigation led to the discovery of a loaded .45-caliber pistol under a desk, and they learned that the suspects were juveniles, age 14 and 15 years old. 

Police say the teens admitted they broke into the business to hang out, and found the keys to the pickup truck, which was for sale, inside the building. They said the car was borrowed from a friend, and the pistol had been under its seat. 

The teens reportedly told police they drove the truck out toward Barkley Regional Airport and had taken several bottles of liquor from the refrigerator inside the business. Police found the bottles in the back seat of the car, along with a bottle containing several types of medication, including Xanax and Concerta pills. The police report also said the truck had visible damage to its passenger side.

The juveniles were arrested for automobile theft and burglary charges, along with possession of burglary tools, criminal mischief, and possession of a controlled substance. One of them was charged with possession of a handgun by a minor. they were taken to McCracken County Juvenile Detention Center.