Unfortunately, there is no minimum age for making bad, even dangerous decisions. Police in Lincoln, Nebraska experiencing a bit of that sad fact after arresting a 14-year-old for felony car theft. Not only that, but the teen had a stolen gun while they were out stealing cars. 

A Nebraska teen figured they’d try to live a Grand Theft Auto game by stealing cars with a gun

Police officers arrested a 14-year-old teenager for a string of car thefts in Lincoln, Nebraska. According to law enforcement, the young joyrider is facing charges for stealing five cars in two weeks. The thief would steal the cars and store them in a church parking lot on the south side of town. It wasn’t until police located the teen in one of the stolen cars that law enforcement made the arrest.  

Unfortunately, the unnamed thief also stole a handgun from one of the vehicles. Tragically, stolen handguns often find secondary use in crimes like armed robbery and gang activity. Incidentally, Everytown Research & Policy, a gun control non-profit, reports that criminals steal a gun from a car in America every nine minutes. That makes vehicles the most common source of stolen firearms in the country. 

Fortunately, the Nebraska car thief’s handgun was recovered by police after the arrest. Moreover, police officers in Lincoln reported that each stolen vehicle was “left unlocked with the keys inside.” A determined and resourceful car thief will likely succeed in stealing the most advanced cars. However, leaving your car unlocked with the keys inside is negligent vehicle ownership. After all, many would-be car thieves are, first and foremost, opportunists. Always lock your car and store your keys somewhere safe.

Granted, a 14-year-old kid isn’t likely to get tried as an adult in Nebraska for anything less than a seriously violent crime like murder or kidnapping. However, police took the young offender into custody with six counts of felony theft, per Channel 8 Nebraska Now. Unfortunately for the teen, a lengthy stay in a juvenile hall is likely.