WATCH: Another teen caught stealing car in Warren County

Oct 4, 2024 at 11:33 PM

Dayton Teens Caught in Daring Car Theft Spree

In a shocking turn of events, a group of teenagers from Dayton, Ohio, have been accused of orchestrating a series of car thefts in the nearby town of Lebanon. The Lebanon Police Department has released dashcam footage of the arrest of one of the suspects, shedding light on the brazen nature of these crimes.

Uncovering a Sophisticated Car Theft Ring

Stolen Cars and Daring Escapes

The incident began when the owner of a local car dealership contacted the authorities, reporting that he had witnessed several individuals stealing cars using the dealership's security cameras. According to Sgt. Nate Trout of the Lebanon Police Department, the group of approximately four males had been dropped off at the dealership, where they forcibly entered the premises and made off with a number of car keys.The thieves then proceeded to steal three vehicles and attempted to flee the scene as the police arrived. One of the suspects, a teenager, crashed a stolen Dodge Challenger and attempted to evade the authorities on foot, but was ultimately apprehended and arrested.

A Coordinated Effort from Dayton

Investigations revealed that the group of suspects was not acting alone, but rather was part of a larger network of car thieves operating out of Dayton, a neighboring city. Sgt. Trout stated that the Lebanon Police Department had been aware of this group's previous involvement in car thefts in the area, indicating a well-organized and persistent criminal enterprise.

Charges and Consequences

The arrested teenager, identified as Karon Carriker, 18, was charged with a total of five felonies, including failure to comply, burglary, and theft. Additionally, he faced two misdemeanor charges, including driving without a license. Authorities also reported that another suspect had been arrested in Montgomery County, suggesting that the investigation was ongoing and that more arrests could be forthcoming.

Securing the Community

The brazen nature of these car thefts has undoubtedly shaken the community of Lebanon, raising concerns about the safety and security of local businesses and residents. The Lebanon Police Department's swift response and the release of the dashcam footage serve as a clear message that such criminal activities will not be tolerated.As the investigation continues, the authorities are likely to intensify their efforts to dismantle the Dayton-based car theft ring and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The community of Lebanon can take solace in the fact that the police are working diligently to protect their streets and safeguard their property.