Two 12-year-olds Charged for Allegedly Stealing Car in Atlantic City

Cops in Atlantic City say a pair of 12-year-old boys have been charged in connection to stealing a car Wednesday afternoon.

Around 2:15 PM Wednesday, officers responded to the 500 block of Oriental Avenue for a report of a vehicle that was involved in a hit and run accident. At the same time, another officer responded to the beach block of Morris Avenue for a report of a stolen vehicle. That vehicle's owner said he parked his car and left his keys inside as he went inside a local hotel. The officer was able to confirm the vehicle information after hearing the description of the hit and run vehicle. It was never determined what the vehicle hit.

About 25 minutes later, police say the stolen vehicle was seen on Pacific Avenue. Officers attempted to stop it at California and Pacific Avenues but both occupants ran from car. The occupants, both 12-year-old males, were quickly arrested. Officers recovered a small amount of marijuana in the car.

Both 12-year-olds were charged with receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. One of the boys was also charged with theft. Both were released into the custody of a parent.

The Atlantic City Police Department says they have seen a recent rise in the number of stolen cars. They are urging everyone to lock their car doors and take the vehicle’s keys or key fobs with them. A large number of vehicles are stolen after keys or key fobs were found inside.