$30 for a Car – Quite the Deal!

Police are reporting that a young thief in Michigan was behind a series of car thefts. The 12-year-old suspect was caught by Oakland County Sheriff’s Officers while attempting to break into a vehicle in Pontiac last Saturday, according to Sheriff Michael Bouchard’s statement.

Detectives discovered that this young individual had stolen three or four cars over the past month, with at least one sold for just $30. It’s not clear, however, if the buyer of the stolen vehicle has faced any charges.

The arrest occurred near the boy’s former home connected to General Motors, a place that once thrived with automotive production. Interestingly, it was noted that he’d been a prime suspect in several thefts in the area, as this particular locality was grappling with a surge in vehicle thefts.

On June 28, police set up a surveillance operation in a parking lot, anticipating trouble. They caught the boy in action, reportedly carrying license plates at the time. According to their statement, he had attempted to break into multiple vehicles before being apprehended.

In a somewhat optimistic tone, Sheriff Bouchard mentioned that there’s still hope for this young suspect. “This young man is on a very bad path,” he said. “Hopefully, court intervention will guide him towards a better future and put an end to ongoing thefts in the community.”

The boy is currently held at the Oakland County Children’s Village, with the investigation still ongoing.

Pontiac, just a half-hour drive from Motor City, showcases a stark contrast to its once-bustling industrial roots, having faced a downturn following the American auto industry’s decline in the 1970s. While violent crime has seen some decline in recent years, it remains higher than in other cities of similar size.