MEMPHIS, Tenn.– Six teens are facing charges after police say they broke into a car in the Beale Street area Saturday night.
According to police, officers saw several teens wearing black ski masks and hoodies walking past Beale Street down Beale Alley where several cars were parked. The officers saw the teens get into a car and called for backup.
The teens ran away as more officers arrived.
Investigators said Jayron Tiggs, 18, and the other teens, between the ages of 15 and 17, had stolen property on them when they were arrested and one of them was carrying a stolen gun.
Daniel Norton and Brian Hayes said they love the city of Memphis, but they’re getting ready to pack up and leave due to all the recent crime downtown.
Norton said his car was broken into last month while it was sitting in his parking garage – costing him more than $400 to repair.
“I pay to park there monthly, and someone broke into the front driver’s side. Didn’t even steal anything valuable,” Norton said.
All six suspects were taken into custody and charged with burglary of a vehicle, theft of property less than $1,000, and evading arrest on foot.
Tiggs is out on a $1,000 bond.
These arrests come after a string of car break-ins downtown. Just in the immediate downtown area, Memphis police have responded to 63 vehicle break-ins in the past month.
It’s unknown if the teens played any role in those incidents.
The Memphis Police Department offers these tips to keep in mind in order to keep your vehicle safe:
- Don’t leave your gun or anything of value in your car
- Keep your car locked and get an alarm
- Make sure to park in a well-lit area if you don’t have a garage
