Two Teens Arrested in Connection with Lakeland Apartment Car Burglaries

Two Teens Arrested in Connection with Lakeland Apartment Car Burglaries. News sources reported that two youths were apprehended during a Friday night auto burglary spree at Lakeland Town Square Apartments targeted 22 vehicles.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Burglary, Robbery, and Auto Theft section identified the burglars. Jevon Jones, 18, and a 16-year-old without a name were detained.

The allegations against both accused were complicated by their arrest in a stolen vehicle.

“For them to get them so quick makes me feel a little better, but end of the day, I still gotta pay to fix this thing,” said Austin Swindle.

Jones, the older of the two, faces 15 motor vehicle burglary, $10,000–$60,000 property theft, and burglary tool possession charges. Meanwhile, the 16-year-old accomplice was charged with theft of the same amount.

Additionally, a 15-year-old was detained on a Millington warrant for the stolen vehicle.

Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. says, “Burglary and theft from motor vehicles are persistent problems in our community.” He expected a swift resolution. Our detectives made quick arrests, reassuring victims. The arrest of the suspects relieves Lakeland Town Square Apartments residents, who were shocked by the brazen burglaries. Police quickly catching the offenders provides a sense of justice, but the victims still suffer emotionally and financially.

Residents like Austin Swindle, whose car was broken into, are dealing with the repercussions. Repairing windows, painting, and fixing water damage is costly and a reminder of their privacy and security violations.

Despite the pecuniary losses, appreciation exists that the burglars did not cause more damage. Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner’s claim that the perpetrators were looking for guns highlights the potential for more harm. No firearms were found in the stolen vehicles, a silver lining in the community’s hardships.

Youth involvement in such crimes raises issues about societal influences and parental monitoring. A 15-year-old committing auto burglaries in the early morning raises questions about how families and communities teach responsible kids.

We hope the arrests dissuade future crime in the region. Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr.’s guarantee that law enforcement will continue to target burglary and motor vehicle theft boosts neighborhood safety.

Residents become more vigilant and united as they repair and fortify their vehicles and homes. Adversity has united neighbors, generating resilience and a desire to protect their neighborhood.

After this incident, law enforcement, residents, and property management should work together to prevent future burglaries. Increased surveillance, community patrols, and security standards can dissuade offenders and safeguard communities from future attacks.

It may take time to heal from the recent burglaries, but the neighborhood stays strong. Lakeland Town Square Apartments inhabitants want to regain their security and peace of mind via collaboration and awareness.

Austin Swindle’s 2023 Nissan was stolen. Swindle said, “I gotta fix the window, patches to my paint, got water damage from the rain Friday. I was stunned. I was angrier than anything.”

Law police reported that few automobiles were stolen despite severe damage. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner believed the criminals were looking for firearms, but none were found.

The apartment complex’s surveillance footage led cops to a red Dodge automobile with a white rear bumper suspected of burglary. Another inquiry revealed that Millington had reported the automobile stolen two days previously.

Memphis and Bartlett Police Crime Suppression worked together to find the vehicle at Overton Manor Apartments.

Jones was arrested with a window punch tool in a rucksack stolen from one of the 22 automobiles.

The presence of underage people is alarming, Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner said, “These auto burglaries occurred at 4 a.m. Here it is. I assume you start your newscast every night with, “Hey, it’s 10 o’clock, do you know where your children are?” A 15-year-old is out at 4 a.m. doing auto burglaries.

The speedy arrest of the criminals relieved homeowners, but victims like Swindle now face the cost of repairs.

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