Teens Steal Man's Car, Victim Drops Charges

BESSEMER, AL — Leaving one's car running while it is unoccupied is not recommended. That point is illustrated by events Monday in Bessemer when a man left his running car unattended while inside a convenience store, only to have two teenagers drive off in it.

The victim called the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at approximately 6:30 p.m. Monday to report his car stolen, and after the security video at the convenience store was reviewed, deputies had identified the two suspects.

Deputies located the car in the 1000 block of 25th street Hueytown later Monday evening. The car was undamaged and all items were recovered. As well, deputies located the offenders and took a 17-year-old into custody while an 18-year-old suspect fled on foot.

Deputies were able to identify but not locate the 18-year-old. However, the victim and his family have chosen to forgive the offenders and declined prosecution due to the age of the offenders.

The victims said they may work with the offenders' parents to address the offenders' conduct.