CHADRON – One teenager was arrested and 2 others cited about 1:00 yesterday morning in Chadron for allegedly taking cash from possibly more than 30 vehicles in residential areas.
19-year old Allison Tobacco was taken into custody for misdemeanor counts of theft of less than $500 and criminal attempt of a misdemeanor. The two juveniles, a male and a female, were released into the custody of an adult.
Chadron has been plagued by a series of thefts from parked vehicles over the past month and Police Chief Tim Lordino says Tobacco and the 2 juveniles are suspected of being responsible for some of them.
Sgt Jarvis Wallage says yesterday morning’s arrests were made after officers noticed several people walking south on a residential street. The officers parked and got out to locate the individuals and spotted the trio, all in dark clothing and checking the door handles of vehicles parked in the street.
Sgt Wallage says they recognized the male and made contact as the teens entered a parked pickup. The two juveniles produced cash and a large bag of change allegedly taken from the pickup and other vehicles earlier Tuesday night.
Wallage says the Chadron Police Dept continues to desperately urge the public not to be an easy target and to lock their vehicles while hiding any valuable property in the trunk, glove box, or other out-of-sight spot, adding that one of the unlocked vehicles entered by the 3 teens had the keys, a handgun, and other valuables inside.