Four boys in Seattle are facing charges for a series of crimes, including stealing cars and robbing stores. The boys, aged 12 to 15, are accused of assault, burglary, malicious mischief, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Originally, there were five suspects, but one was not charged due to a lack of evidence.
The most heavily charged suspect, a 15-year-old, is believed to be recruiting young boys to join a street gang in the Sand Point area. Police received multiple reports of crimes committed by a group of four to five individuals, which led them to the suspects. Surveillance footage linked the boys to a burglary and property damage at a Rite Aid, where they stole beer. They also stole whiskey bottles from a Circle K and allegedly assaulted a clerk with their stolen vehicle.
Another incident involved the suspects trying to steal a woman’s backpack and later throwing beer cans at her and a witness. The suspects were also tied to an attempted auto theft. While there were suspicions of their involvement in an arson and assault of a homeless man, there wasn’t enough evidence to confirm it.
The boys were arrested after a chase in the Ballard neighborhood. They are currently in secure detention while investigations continue.