Quick response by Central Precinct officers to a report of suspicious persons inside a parking garage at 314 Church Street at 11:20 a.m. today led to the arrest of two teens, ages 14 and 16, as they attempted to drive out in a Kia Optima they had just stolen.
The two teens bailed from the car (without putting it in park) when they saw Officer Ralph Gault approaching in his police car. The Optima rolled into the police vehicle, causing minor damage. Officer Gault quickly apprehended the 16-year-old passenger. The 14-year-old driver was arrested by other officers nearby. Both were booked at juvenile detention.
Three other teens who were seen entering the parking garage with the other two were also detained. They were charged with criminal trespassing.