HOWELL — A 12-year-old was charged after police said he tried to break into a Howell Township home and damaged the front door.
Howell Township police said officers were called to the Princeton Drive area at about 3:28 p.m. May 25 after a report of a male trying to enter a residence.
According to police, the homeowner was inside when he heard a loud noise at the front of the house. When he checked the door, he found it had been forced open and the frame was broken. Police said the homeowner then saw the juvenile running toward the side of the driveway, getting onto an e-bike and leaving the area.
The homeowner followed the juvenile by vehicle and was able to get him to stop a short distance away, authorities said. Police said the homeowner held the juvenile on the ground until officers arrived, preventing him from leaving again.
The juvenile was wearing a T-shirt, shorts and sandals and did not have any property on him when he interacted with officers, police said.
Authorities said Ring camera footage provided by the homeowner showed the juvenile approaching the front door, turning around and kicking backward hard enough to force the door open and cause damage. Officers later returned to the home and confirmed the front door had sustained significant damage, police said.
The juvenile was arrested and charged with criminal mischief. He was later released to his father at police headquarters. Due to his age, authorities are not able to release his identity.
Police said the juvenile’s mother returned later that evening and claimed the homeowner had pointed a firearm at her son. Officers went back to the scene and reviewed statements from several witnesses along with available surveillance video. Police said witnesses reported that no firearm was shown or present, and authorities said no evidence had been found to support the allegation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Patrolman Lavarin at 732-938-4575, ext. 2722.
