Five minors were arrested early Saturday after authorities caught them burglarizing vehicles in the Settlement Apartment complex in Kyle.
A subsequent investigation discovered the suspects, who ranged in age from 11 to 15 years old, had been involved in a crime spree that included the theft of a Mercedes SUV.
The minors, aged 11, 11, 12, 13 and 15, are from the San Marcos, Martindale and Staples areas.
Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said authorities received a call around 4:40 a.m. Saturday from a resident who reported suspicious activity in the complex parking lot. The caller said a white SUV was slowly rolling through the parking lot with no lights on, while several other people were on foot checking vehicle doors, Barnett said.
When authorities arrived, several of the minors, who were still in the parking lot, attempted to flee the scene on foot, but were quickly detained. The minors, aged 11, 11, 12, 13 and 15, are from the San Marcos, Martindale and Staples areas.
According to a press release, officers discovered the SUV was reported stolen; multiple items found in the vehicle were believed to have been stolen as well, Barnett said.
Kyle Police officers also found a substance they suspected was black tar cocaine. Barnett said the substance was sent to be tested at a crime lab to “determine its origin.”
All five suspects were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, theft of property between $30,000 and $150,000 and burglary of a vehicle. Three of the minors were charged with evading arrest and detention.
All five minors are being held in the Hays County Juvenile Detention Center.
