Williston teens accused of vehicle thefts and burglaries and other youths likely involved - if you know something, please contact LCSO

Levy County Sheriff's Office (LCSO)

"Violent crimes garner the most attention," said Lt. Scott Tummond with the Levy County Sheriff's Office. "However, no one seems to pay any attention to burglaries or car thefts. These crimes often have a profound impact on the victim and their families. Add to this that children are the perpetrators, and we now have your attention."

Tummond said that toward the end of June, 2022, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office began receiving calls from citizens in the Morriston, Florida area who reported that their vehicles were being broken or stolen. The thieves were taking valuables from vehicles, and sometimes stealing the vehicles for a joy ride before dumping it. Almost every time deputies located one of the stolen, discarded vehicles, it had been damaged and required extensive repairs.

On June 28, the suspects stole a Ford truck, and an alert citizen recognized that a vehicle theft was in progress, and called 911. Levy County deputies and detectives flooded the area and located the stolen truck that had two juvenile passengers - later identified as a 14 year-olf driver and a 16 year-old passenger, both of Williston, Florida. Deputies went in pursuit of the stolen truck, during which the juvenile driver wrecked the vehicle. Fortunately, neither of the youths was injured. The 14 year-old driver ran into the woods to escape from law enforcement, but after a short pursuit, the youth was apprehended.

The driver faces numerous felony charges. During this investigation he was identified as a suspect in two additional grand theft auto incidents.

Detectives determined that the 16 year-old passenger also participated in other crimes being investigated by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and Williston Police Department.

The 14 year-old, "Is no stranger to our detectives," said Lt. Tummond. "He had been arrested, just four day prior, for another vehicle theft, but was released from juvenile detention. Why? Because car theft is not considered a violent crime."

Tummond said that the 14 year-old driver currently has six cases pending in juvenile court, which do not include his newest charges. He said that detectives are aware that this is not an isolated incident, and the two youths taken into custody, "Are not committing these crimes alone."

According to Lt. Tummond, detectives with the Levy County Sheriff's Office have been working with officers with the Williston Police Department to solve seven car burglaries reported within the City of Williston.

Since this crime spree began, detectives have recovered five stolen vehicles. Detectives suspect that the two youths are involved in ten additional car burglaries reported within Levy County, along with two vehicle pursuits, and other criminal acts. These cases are all active and under investigation.

Detectives are seeking assistance of the public to ensure that all the cases are solved. Anyone who has information about any of these crimes is asked to to please call lead investigator, Detective Ryan Sullivan, at (352) 486-5111, extension 360. If you would like to provide a tip, but want to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-349-8477; you could be eligible to receive a cash reward.