Teen accused of stealing assault rifle, other items from Opa-locka police vehicle

Christopher Clarke, 16, turned himself in to Hallandale Beach Police Department

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – A 16-year-old boy turned himself in to the Hallandale Beach Police Department Thursday morning, two days after he stole an AR-15 assault rifle and other items from a police vehicle in Pembroke Pines, authorities said.

Police said Christopher Clarke turned himself in after being urged to do so by family and friends after his image was circulated on the news.

Recommended Videos



Clarke was picked up by Pembroke Pines police detectives who took him to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

Pembroke Pines police said they are still working to recover the stolen gun and police gear.

According to authorities, the teen was captured on surveillance cameras shortly before 3:30 a.m. Tuesday burglarizing a marked Opa-locka police vehicle in the Sunswept community.

Multiple items were stolen from the vehicle, including a Taser and cartridges, a tactical vest with police markings, a 16-round .45-caliber magazine and an AR-15 assault rifle with three fully loaded magazines.

Police believe Clarke also burglarized other vehicles in the same area that same day.
 


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.