Internet sale of stolen car parts leads to charges against youths
Investigation into a juvenile auto theft ring, with parts being sold on the Internet, led to charges yesterday against two Kalihi boys, 16 and 17.
"We're very sure that these two people are working together in the same type of auto theft ring," said police Lt. James Strickland.
He said the cars, including Hondas and "street racer-type" cars, were being stolen and stripped, with parts sold over the Internet.
The case began last week when police arrested a 17-year-old Kalihi boy who was driving a stolen vehicle in Nuuanu on May 18. He was taken to the Alder Street Detention Facility.
The teenager turned out to be a suspect in a separate auto theft case under investigation, and he was arrested for that case as well, said Strickland, who heads the Honolulu Police Department's Auto Theft Detail.
Police also arrested a 16-year-old boy Tuesday after investigating neighborhood complaints, Strickland said.
"Patrol officers were able to link him to a 'chop shop' operation," Strickland said.
CrimeStoppers coordinator Kim Buffett said petitions were filed in Family Court for both teens, action that is the equivalent of charging adults.
The 16-year-old was released yesterday to his parents, she said, while the other remained in custody at the Alder Street Detention Facility.