RICHMOND, Ind. — A 12-year-old was arrested after an armed carjacking that happened in Richmond.
The Richmond Police Department said officers responded to a report of a carjacking at a carwash on the 2400 block of West National Road around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17.
Police said a boy dressed in all black brandished a firearm at a woman and told her that he was taking her car. The boy allegedly said that if the victim contacted the police, he would shoot her.
Richmond Police said officers arrived on the scene "just moments later."
The victim told police that her 2005 beige Ford Escape had been stolen. Officers investigated the scene, and were alerted roughly 20 minutes later of a reckless driver pulling into the lot of the Westwood Apartment Complex, located at 2001 West Main Street, where a gold SUV was seen pulling into the lot and a male getting out of the vehicle.
Police went to the area and discovered that this was the same vehicle as the one stolen during the carjacking. However, the suspect was gone.
Richmond Police said they received an anonymous tip from a community member, and that's what led to the suspect's arrest. When taken into questioning, officers said the boy confessed to everything.
Police believe that the gun the boy used was a fake, but it hasn't been found yet.
“This case underscores the invaluable role our community plays in keeping Richmond safe," Chief Kyle Weatherly said. "The anonymous tip we received was crucial in bringing this case to a swift resolution. I also want to commend Detective Paul Hutchison and our Investigative Services Division for their tireless work. Juvenile cases like this highlight the importance of identifying at-risk youth early and providing them with the guidance and resources they need to pursue a path free from crime. Together, we can create a safer future for all."
Richmond is approximately 70 miles east of downtown Indianapolis.
