By Pat Culverhouse

A 16-year-old juvenile has been arrested for the theft last week of a vehicle from a local automobile dealership.

Chief of Police Jared McIver said the young person was picked up Friday by MPD detectives after his parents learned the vehicle was stolen and notified authorities. He reportedly was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and released to the custody of his parents.

“Apparently, the youngster rode a bus to Minden High Thursday, but left the school grounds and walked to various places around town including the Ridgewood subdivision,” Det. Lt. Jason Smith said. “He eventually walked through the parking lot of a local car dealership, found an unlocked car with the keys inside, took the car and drove it home.”

Smith said the youth’s parents contacted the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office when they discovered the vehicle was stolen. The youth reportedly has admitted he took the vehicle.

Minden police had posted surveillance photos of the youth apparently looking inside the vehicle on the department’s Facebook page, along with information on the theft and a description.

“We appreciate all the assistance from our amazing community,” the department posted in an update reporting the arrest and recovery of the vehicle.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.