Three of the five teens accused of stealing cars from a Pompano Beach auto dealer went before a judge Friday as authorities continued their search for the mastermind of the thefts.
The teens, who range in age from 13 to 15, aren't old enough to legally drive but were able to steal seven cars from Duca's Auto Sales at 1550 N. Andrews Avenue Extension Sunday night, Broward Sheriff's Office officials said.
At Friday's hearing, two of the teens were given 10 days in juvenile detention then house arrest, while the third received 21 days in juvenile detention followed by house arrest. All are charged with seven counts of grand theft auto, one count of burglary and one count of grand theft.
Authorities say the teens, who were captured on surveillance footage, jumped the fence at the business and entered the lot. They were able to enter the dealership through an unsecured door and stole the seven cars plus the keys to all the cars on the lot.
"Once I open the door that I saw every of my stuff was just thrown on the floor like a hurricane through, just in and out," owner Andre Silva said.
Silva said the cars stolen were four Mercedes, a BMW, an Acura and a Buick. He said there was about $30,000 in damage.
Detectives were able to recover the cars but they're still searching for an adult suspect who is believed to be the ringleader. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.
