'Out-of-control' teen accused of stealing 4 vehicles in Royal Oak area

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI - A 14-year-old boy has been apprehended by Royal Oak police for allegedly stealing multiple vehicles over the past week. He is now being housed at the Oakland County Children's Village and faces several charges, including three counts of unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle and one count of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle.

The investigation was initiated following two reports of stolen vehicles that were later found within a mile of their thefts between February 27 and March 2. While examining one of these incidents, police discovered security camera footage showing a masked individual, which further led to the identification of the suspect.

On March 4, a Hyundai Sonata was stolen from the 3400 block of Devon Road. Police managed to locate the car a few hours after the theft, finding it unoccupied in an apartment parking lot on the 3800 block of Devon Road.

Later that day, officers observed the juvenile returning to the stolen Hyundai around 3:15 p.m. He was taken into custody without any resistance. Additionally, authorities believe he might also be connected to a fourth auto theft that occurred in January on Crooks Road.

Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore praised the investigation, highlighting it as an example of effective teamwork that not only addressed four crimes but also prevented the teen from further victimizing residents in the community.