Tyler

By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer

Allegedly stealing a stereo didn’t pan out for two Tyler teens early this morning who were caught red-handed before crashing their car near Green Acres Baptist Church after a short police chase.

Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Don Martin said the incident began about 4 a.m. this morning in the 1300 block of Barbara Street when the intended victim reported two suspects entering her car.

“The victim had seen two suspects enter her vehicle, which was parked in her residence driveway and steal her satellite radio. Upon officers’ arrival, the two suspects were seen hiding in the area,” he said.

Martin said the suspects got into their vehicle and fled from officers and were taken into custody when their vehicle wrecked out on a dead-end street close to Green Acres Baptist Church.

The two suspects were identified as Samuel Isai Ortega, 17, of Tyler and Josue Joel Rodrigues, 17, of Tyler.

Ortega was charged with burglary of vehicle and felony evading arrest with a vehicle. Rodrigues was charged with burglary of vehicle, unauthorized use of motor vehicle (warrant) and failure to stop and render aid (warrant).

Martin said several other items believed to be stolen were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle and police will attempt to determine the property’s owners as they continue their investigation.