Clayton News Daily

By Jason A. Smith

jsmith@henryherald.com

Authorities in McDonough have charged two juveniles -- one male and one female -- in connection with a recent break-in at a home in the city.

The suspects, whose names were not released because of their ages, are charged with burglary, and criminal damage to property in the second degree.

McDonough Police received a call around 2 p.m., Monday from a homeowner on Ambeau Circle. According to Police Detective Sgt. Ken Noble, the female victim had arrived home shortly before the call, and saw the two teens, along with an 11-year-old boy.

"Based on some information that I gathered, the third juvenile wasn't involved in the burglary," Noble said. "He was more or less going over to the house to see what the other two were doing. Upon his arrival, the homeowner came home."

"[The juveniles, ages 15 and 14,] got in through the back, through an open window," Noble said.

The detective said the inside of the house had sustained "extensive" structural damage, "into the thousands of dollars."

"Police were dispatched to the scene and, after a short foot chase, the juveniles were detained and identified by the homeowner."

The detective said the victim recognized the trio from seeing them in her neighborhood.

Noble did not release additional details on the case, which he characterized as "still under investigation."

The two juveniles, who were charged, were taken to the Regional Youth Detention Center in Griffin. Information was not available on Wednesday as to whether they were still being held at the facility.