Teen who broke into house was wearing ankle monitor, police say

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police said a 15-year-old wearing an ankle monitor broke into a home across from an elementary school in east Charlotte Monday afternoon, but they couldn't track him at the time.

The teen was caught on surveillance video stealing a laptop, jewelry and a gun from a home across from Hickory Grove Elementary School off Pence Road.

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According to police, the teen was wearing an ankle monitor during the break-in, but officers couldn't track the juvenile without going to a judge or magistrate for a court order first.

While working to get the order, several police officers could be seen searching the area for the teen and Hickory Grove Elementary was briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution.

Marcus Philemon, with Courtwatch, said the entire scenario is something the community will see more often after Dec. 1 when 16- and 17-year-olds will be arrested as juveniles.

"The clock is ticking, and as the clock is ticking, we are in danger here in Mecklenburg County," Philemon said. "It's been proven this year."

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The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department tracks about 18 juveniles who are all facing serious charges, while a private contractor supervises 249 more, including the 15-year-old who was on the run.

"They're breaking into a house and the one thing they steal is a gun. It gives me great cause for concern that CMPD has to take an extra step," Philemon said.

Police told Channel 9 that they've talked to the 15-year-old's mother, but did not say whether the teen has been caught.

Cox Media Group