Santa Clarita law enforcement officials announced Thursday a juvenile has been detained in connection with several incidents of Newhall vandalism and thefts reported on social media.
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A series of thefts and vandalism posted on Instagram by a teenager prompted a “very active” investigation by Santa Clarita deputies with at least two persons of interest being sought, Sheriff’s Station officials said Thursday.
One person has been identified and taken into custody. The suspect was not identified because he was a minor.
Station detectives said they received the reports Monday, with crimes taking place over the weekend involving the vandalism of several locations in Newhall, specifically Lyons Avenue.
“There’s a couple of those incidents that have been reported,” said Lt. Ignacio Somoano of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, “the video captures theft and vandalism, primarily.”
The Instagram account belonging to @whole_lotta_gang appears to show a teenager in his underwear, out of control and yelling obscenities in a fast food restaurant and at least three other locations, according to officials.
Videos show him taking chicken from Popeyes, bathing himself with a Slurpee at 7-Eleven, refusing to pay the Domino’s Pizza delivery man, stealing a pin from the Valencia Lanes, and apparently damaging displays at Valencia Liquors on Lyons.
The suspects are believed to be juveniles, but detectives are remaining tight-lipped about progress on their investigation.
“I’m very disappointed in all law enforcement, and (the suspects’) parents, because the vandalism could have been prevented before they got to the other businesses,” said the owner of the Newhall Popeyes, who asked not to be identified. “They should have consequences and pay for what they did.”
Station detectives said they are investigating these criminal complaints, which possibly started out as a prank for a small audience.
“We hope to hold the person accountable here in the near future,” said Somoano. “Not just the person, the persons,” he said, noting the video indicates there’s clearly an accomplice filming, and that person is also a suspect. “You could say the person videotaping it,” he said, “is also taking an active role in the crimes that are being captured.”
Sheriff’s Station officials also said the incident serves as a reminder about the importance of parents having a talk with their children about the need for responsible social media usage.
“Because of all the media attention that these incidents have received, it might be a good time for parents to take the time to have a chat with their kids, and let them know the seriousness involved in what kids might feel is just a ‘harmless prank,’” said Shirley Miller, PIO for the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station. “When kids post things on social media, there is usually always a bigger audience than what they may have originally intended. And what started out as a prank, is now under investigation as a criminal complaint.”
Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121.
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Unforutantely parents don’t pay attention to what their kids are doing. Parents need to keep track of their children. I see groups of kids probably Junior High age or younger wondering the neighborhood well after 10pm in the evening. They should be home. There is nothing for them to do at that time but get into trouble.
Thank you scso. Punks like this need to realize there are consequences for their behavior, I hope the judge gives him the maximum sentence and fine.
I’m no judge but these punjster teens should be held responsible for damages done with mandatory community service, probation and parenting classes for their incompetent parents. Better yet, boot camp!
I’m no judge but these punkster teens need to be held responsible for the damage/cleanup of their stupid video antics. Compensation, probation and parenting classes for their parent(s) who’ve done a miserable job of raising these miscreants. Better yet, boot camp!
Lol, stealing chicken, and a slurpee? Not a biggie, and to “pay for what they did” by someone who wants to remain anonymous. Is even a bigger LOL. Obvi someone is scared not to be mentioned. And how much does a couple pieces of Popeyes (yuk) and a slurpee cost anyways.
Marc, wake up and watch the videos. If you think any one of these is harmless then you are part of the problem.
“I won’t insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.” William F. Buckley Jr.
Kids do dumb things. Have him pay for whatever he stole and take his phone away from him. Where are his parents? They need to hold him accountable for his bad choices. I don’t think his life should be ruined die to his need for fame on the Internet.
These social media sites are doing nothing good for our youth, it might be time to take it away before it corrupts all of our youth. My preschooler had a so called free YouTube video day in class last year and he said he watched a Scarry video on there. Sorry but kids do not need internet there is way to much to see on there that you don’t want them to know about yet.
I agree with Marc and Vanessa. This kid needs attention and is getting it from his peers through social media. He is at the “look at me” age – trying to impress his friends. He isn’t a criminal yet, just a kid with no respect. Have him pay for lost product and any damage, give him some community service to put on his resume for college, and put him in summer school program or his parents should have him get a job next year.
I work with teenagers and yes, they can make lame-brained decisions at times. The majority of them are great kids, esp. here in SCV. IMO, the video boy obviously has
poor boundary issues/acting out behaviors, etc. I would suggest his patents take him for a mental health evaluation as part of his “sentence”, whatever that will be. His impulsivity, lack of respect, not caring about consequences and inappropriate behaviors need to be looked into to rehab this boy.
The owner of Popeyes is disappointed at all the law enforcement because they didnt prevent the kids from going to other businesses…..how is this law enforcements fault, how were they to know where he and his buddy were heading next.
Exactly. I understand she’s upset, but that was a ridiculous comment.