By Kameel Stanley, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, September 18, 2010
ST. PETERSBURG — Authorities have arrested three teenagers they say are responsible for a rash of recent vehicle burglaries.
The St. Petersburg teens, an 18-year-old identified as Daniel Birnbaum and two juveniles ages 17 and 13, were arrested early Saturday morning.
They were found breaking into vehicles in the vicinity of the Fairhaven Mobile Home Park, 5757 66th St. N and the Palma Ciea Villas, 6484 54th Ave. N around 1:30 a.m., according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Once discovered, authorities said, the teens scattered. Deputies captured them with the help of dogs and a helicopter.
The teens admitted to committing more than 20 vehicle burglaries and making numerous attempts, the Sheriff's Office said.
Thus far, Birnbaum has been charged with attempted burglary and burglary. The 17-year-old was charged with violating juvenile probation and loitering and prowling. The 13-year-old was charged with burglary and loitering and prowling.
More charges are expected, officials said.
Deputies believe the trio is just one of several groups of people who have been breaking into cars.