SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Scranton police have arrested a 14-year-old boy in connection with an attempted abduction and a series of vehicle-related crimes, according to the city’s Detective Division.
Police say officers spotted a suspect matching the description from an earlier attempted abduction while patrolling the area of the 300 block of Maple Street on the night of January 5. When officers approached, the suspect ran but was taken into custody a short time later.
Investigators later confirmed the suspect is a juvenile from South Scranton. Authorities say he initially refused to identify himself, but family members later cooperated with detectives during the investigation.
According to police, evidence collected during the investigation included clothing believed to have been worn during the incident, which matched previously released surveillance images. Investigators also learned the juvenile and his family had recently moved to Scranton from Dayton, Ohio, where the teen allegedly had a history involving stolen vehicles.
Police say the juvenile is suspected of attempting to involve other local youths in vehicle thefts and may be connected to additional thefts in the Scranton area.
Due to the suspect’s age, his name has not been released. He is currently being held in a secure juvenile facility in Northampton County and faces multiple charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, possessing instruments of crime, fleeing police, and loitering and prowling at night.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.