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License-plate reader leads Hendersonville police to stolen Hyundai and teen suspects
Hendersonville police say three juveniles, ages 16 and 17, face charges tied to vehicle thefts, burglaries and vandalism in the area. A license-plate reader helped officers track one stolen Hyundai to Gallatin, where its recovery became a key step in the investigation.
Three juveniles ages 16 and 17 have been charged in connection with vehicle thefts, burglaries and vandalism reported in Hendersonville and Nashville, Hendersonville police said. The investigation involved six counts of vehicle burglary, four counts of felony vandalism and one count of felony theft.
The case began Oct. 10, when officers responded to a vehicle burglary in the 500 block of Windsor Park Lane. A resident told police a Hyundai had been stolen; it was last seen about 6 p.m. the previous day.
Police used license-plate recognition technology to find several sightings of the Hyundai between about 1:29 and 4:32 a.m. Oct. 10. The last sighting showed it heading toward Gallatin. After Hendersonville police alerted Gallatin police and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, Gallatin officers found the car unoccupied in an apartment complex parking lot. Hendersonville detectives processed it for evidence.
Sgt. Thomas Holman said officers located the vehicle within minutes of identifying its route. The investigation expanded from there, he said.
At about 4 p.m. that day, officers responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Breakwater Drive found another Hyundai with damage to its ignition and steering column. A detective traveling to the scene encountered a juvenile walking with a gas can and wearing a ski mask, Holman said. The juvenile said he was bringing fuel to the Hyundai because it had run out of gas.
Detectives determined that vehicle had been stolen from a Nashville apartment complex. Police detained and interviewed the juvenile, who acknowledged involvement in the theft and burglaries, Holman said.
Investigators also connected the juvenile to the Windsor Park Lane incidents and four vehicle burglaries reported Oct. 7 near Waterview Circle. Police later identified and charged two other juveniles in related offenses.
All of the stolen vehicles were recovered, but police said owners faced significant damage and repair costs. Holman noted that vehicles are essential for many people’s daily lives and warned that stolen cars can be used in more serious crimes. He said the investigation concluded peacefully.
Hendersonville police urged residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and keys, and report suspicious activity. Information can be shared with the department at 615-822-1111, Hendersonville Crime Stoppers at 615-594-4113 or through the P3 Tips app.