LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Jeffersonville Police Department (JPD) is raising concerns about an increase in teens committing crimes in southern Indiana.
Authorities said the incidents have taken place during and around regular school hours over the past two weeks.
On Feb. 11, police responded to a burglary in progress at a FedEx store on Maritime Road around 6:30 a.m. The department said officers found multiple teens, all from Louisville, who then led police on a brief car chase.
The teens were charged with burglary and resisting law enforcement after the pursuit and they are also suspected of committing at least three other burglaries at FedEx on Feb. 4, 5 and 8.
Just days later, JPD said a 14-year-old girl and 18-year-old boy from Louisville robbed a store at gunpoint on Feb. 14.
Police said the teens were allegedly shoplifting at the Academy Sports on Veterans Parkway around 1 p.m. When confronted by staff, the young girl pulled out a handgun and pointed it at employees.
No shots were fired and both teens quickly fled.
The Louisville Metro Police Department’s Violent Crime Unit later found the stolen car used in the robbery and the alleged suspects were then arrested.
A spokesperson for JPD said these incidents highlight the need for more community support “to address the root causes of such behavior.”
“Now is the time for togetherness within the community that can help create a safer environment for everyone,” the spokesperson said.
Jeffersonville police said they are committed to working with local school districts and parents to “mitigate some of the underlying issues that lead to criminal activity.”
Anyone with any information regarding either incident is urged to contact JPD’s Detective Division at 812-285-6535.
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