Five suspects were arrested early this morning less than three hours after they allegedly stole a car. One juvenile suspect was apprehended hours later when he escaped from custody at a juvenile shelter in Warsaw.

William C. Blackburn, North Southshore Drive, Syracuse, reported his car stolen from his home at 12:35 this morning. He told police he was getting ready for bed when he heard a noise and saw his car pull out of the driveway.

Blackburn also told police he left the keys in the car.

The Syracuse Police Department reported they spotted the vehicle at 3:15 a.m. outside the Park Side Deli on Main Street, Syracuse.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department responded and arrested the five people in the car.

The two juveniles taken into custody were Douglas W. Lewellan, 16, North Webster, and Justin Daniel Bender, 17. Three adults were booked into Kosciusko County Jail on charges of theft.

Randy Wayne Medley, 18, of 301 E. Chicago St., Syracuse; Arlen Dean Brennaman Jr., 18, of 609 S. Poplar St., Syracuse; and Sissy Lynn Dean, 19, of 407 N. Main St., Syracuse, are being held without bond.

Bender was detained at the Kosciusko County Juvenile Shelter this morning. Police reported he left the shelter on foot around 6:30 a.m. He was apprehended on Baseline Road, north of Levi Lee Road, around 9 a.m.

Police also said the vehicle was involved in a hit and run property damage accident on CR 300E, south of CR 1300N, while the five were driving. The accident left the vehicle slightly damaged.

When Blackburn claimed the vehicle, he reported some items were stolen from the trunk and interior. [[In-content Ad]]