BY KEITH EPPS
Two boys--ages 12 and 13--have been charged after they were caught "car shopping" in southern Stafford, police said.
Sheriff's spokesman Bill Kennedy said the shopping consisted of going into unlocked vehicles and stealing such things as iPods, cell phones and money.
Kennedy said the boys had gone into as many as 14 vehicles before they were caught late Saturday in the Clearview Heights subdivision.
According to police, a man and his girlfriend were leaving a home in the 600 block of Winterberry Drive just before midnight when they noticed a light on inside the woman's vehicle.
The man grabbed the 13-year-old suspect and held him while the woman called 911.
The boy pulled away, Kennedy said, and pulled out a knife and threatened the man before running away.
At the same time, the 12-year-old suspect appeared and was yelling for the older boy as he ran away. The man talked that boy into staying nearby until police arrived.
The younger boy later told police that the suspects had been "car shopping" in the neighborhood and were walking the streets looking for cars to "jack."
Kennedy said police estimated they had entered or tried to enter at least 14 vehicles, but said the boys weren't sure how many they'd done.
The boy who ran was identified and was picked up later at his home. He was charged with robbery, four counts of petty larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny. He was placed in the Rappahannock Juvenile Detention Center.
The younger boy was charged with four counts of petty larceny and conspiracy, Kennedy said. He was released to his parents.
Both boys live in southern Stafford, Kennedy said. The investigation is continuing.
Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com