NASH, Texas - Three juveniles were arrested and five firearms were recovered late Friday after a Nash police officer recognized a vehicle linked to recent vehicle burglaries, according to the Nash Police Department.
The arrests occurred around midnight on July 31 after an officer working an off-duty assignment at a local movie theater spotted a vehicle that had recently been reported in connection with vehicle burglaries in Nash and neighboring Texarkana, Arkansas.
The officer alerted Officer Jacob Miramontes, who soon observed someone enter the vehicle and attempt to leave the area. Officer Miramontes conducted a traffic stop in a nearby parking lot.
Inside the vehicle were three juveniles, ages 14, 15 and 16.
During a search of the vehicle, Officers Miramontes and Aaron Jones recovered four handguns. A fifth handgun was found concealed under the shirt of one of the juveniles, hidden beneath his arm.
Investigators determined that at least four of the five firearms had been reported stolen during recent vehicle burglaries.
All three juveniles were arrested on charges of Theft of a Firearm and transported to a juvenile detention facility.
The Nash Police Department said the case serves as a reminder that many firearms used in crimes are first stolen from unattended vehicles. Officers encourage gun owners to secure firearms in locked compartments or remove them from vehicles whenever possible to help prevent theft.
