Indianapolis teen, Jonathan Ratcliff, 18, was charged with theft on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. His mother was watching the news and noticed her own son was a part of a group of teen boys who repeatedly stole candy from a convenience store at the Phillips 66 gas station. The teens stuffed their backpacks full of candy during the heist. Ratliff threw is own backpack at the store clerk. It seems Ratcliff forgot he had several homework assignments in the bag with his name clearly written on them.
To make matters worse, the sweet-toothed delinquents didn’t attempt to hide their faces while committing the juvenile crime. So, his mom really isn’t a snitch after all. He was bound to be caught as a result of his carelessness.
The store’s owner, Randy Singh, tells CBS4, “It’s like $500 to $600 each time you know. There’s seven kids and they keep doing it. They never stop.”
When he was taken into custody, Ratcliff confessed to his part in the candy crime spree. According to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Sgt. Kendale Adams, “He gave some statements that implicated him in three of the four that we were looking at.”
Adams points out it takes police and the community working together to solve crimes.
“Mom saw the video that was released and did the right thing coming forward. I mean there’s just no way police can do it by themselves, that’s why we preach community involvement,” said Adams. “We know that the message is getting out there. We know this is an example for citizens to see, when you see something, do the right thing. Do like this mother did in turning her son in.”
IMPD expects a juvenile, second suspect to surrender next week. They are also asking anyone with information on the other suspects to contact IMPD or Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS.
