Teen Gang Runs Wild In San Jose; Carjackings, Police Pursuits, Armed Robberies
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- Eleven juveniles were in custody Wednesday after a weekend crime spree that included three police pursuits and over a dozen armed robberies, carjackings and burglaries, San Jose police announced Wednesday.
The juveniles ranged in age from 11 years to 17 years old and were both males and females. They were from San Jose and Gilroy. All 11 suspects were booked into Juvenile Hall on suspicion of armed robbery, carjacking, auto theft, evading and reckless driving, and resisting arrest.
Detectives said many of the crimes involved the use of a firearm. Among the three police pursuits that happened on Friday and Saturday was one that involved an 11-year-old driver.
Authorities are trying to figure out if the teens arrested were involved in multiple crimes over the busy weekend.
"We do know that we have people in custody for at least two carjackings and one vehicle theft," said San Jose Police Lt. Paul Joseph. "We suspect that they were involved in some of these other crimes that occurred in that span, but it's something that we're still working on. And, in fact, there could be other victims."
The San Jose Mercury News said at least 15 victims have been identified, but detectives believed more victims may still be out there.
Police said that at least one suspect remained at large.
San Jose's Police Chief Eddie Garcia said the department is frustrated that many of the arrested suspects are no longer in jail, as they have been turned over to the custody of their parents.
"Yes, I'm not going to mince words with you. Yes I think if these crimes would have been committed by adults, we wouldn't be here," said Garcia. "If these crimes would have been committed by adults with the same causes and the same facts that we have, those same individuals would still be incarcerated."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mike White #4104 or Detective Katie Reyes #3871 of the San Jose Police Department's Robbery Unit at 408-277-4166.
Persons wishing to remain anonymous may either call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line, (408) 947-STOP (7867), or click the "Submit a Tip" link below. Persons providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect may be eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers.
