A 19-YEAR-OLD student was apprehended on Friday morning after allegedly stealing a tricycle that had been left unattended with the keys in the ignition in Baguio District.
The suspect, identified only as alias Prince, a resident of Barangay Baguio Proper, was arrested during a hot pursuit operation conducted by personnel from Police Station 11 (Baguio) in Calinan market.
The theft occurred at approximately 7:40 a.m. at Purok Everlasting, Barangay Baguio Proper.
According to the report, the driver, alias Eugi, reported that he had parked his yellow Bajaj tricycle in front of his residence.
According to police reports, Rosales left the vehicle momentarily with the keys still in the ignition switch.
The suspect allegedly took advantage of the lapse in security, boarding the vehicle and speeding away.
Upon receiving the complaint, PS 11 personnel, led by PMaj Lisandro G. Bernado, immediately launched a pursuit operation.
The search concluded at around 8:50 AM—just over an hour after the theft—when officers located the suspect and the stolen vehicle at the Calinan Public Market in Calinan District.
The recovered unit is a yellow Bajaj tricycle bearing a temporary plate number.
The teen suspect is currently in police custody and faces charges for violation of Republic Act 10883 (The New Anti-Carjacking Act of 2016).
Meanwhile, authorities have used the incident to remind vehicle owners to remain vigilant and never leave keys in their vehicles, even for a short duration, to prevent “crimes of opportunity.”
Moreover, DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon said the suspect has autism, adding that the owner of the Ongbak will not file a case against the suspect.
