15-Year-Old Charged After Car Burglaries, Theft: Cops

MOKENA, IL — After his photo was released by Mokena Police in connection to a car burglary on May 22, a 15-year-old has now been charged with two counts of residential burglary in Mokena and possession of stolen motor vehicle and burglary in New Lenox.

Mokena Police said the juvenile was seen exiting a Hyundai Santa Fe and entering an open garage and then an unlocked car parked in the garage.

In New Lenox, on April 29, the 15-year-old entered an open garage and stole a Subaru SUV which had the key fob inside, police said. The car was found several hours later in Dolton. The car has been examined and processed by New Lenox Police Department evidence technicians and investigators. Enough evidence was gathered to substantiate the charge, police said.

The Mokena Police Department worked with other agencies including the New Lenox and Chicago police departments, and the juvenile was taken into custody Wednesday by the Chicago Police Department. He has been charged in Will County with two counts of residential burglary related to the incidents in Mokena. For the New Lenox incident, he has been charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and burglary. He is currently being held at the River Valley Juvenile Detention Center until his next court date in June.

Police reminded Mokena residents that several similar burglary and car theft crews continue to operate in the south suburbs. If you see anything suspicious, call 911. Do not confront or follow these individuals. If you have relevant video from a security system or Ring doorbell camera, you can contact the Mokena Police Department to share footage.