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Police arrest three in car burglary spree

By Austin Phillips (Contact) | Shelby County Reporter

Published Thursday, August 21, 2008

ALABASTER — Alabaster Police have arrested three teens who are facing 107 charges following an incident in the early hours Saturday morning.

Cody Steele Smith, 18, of Chelsea was among three teens arrested early Saturday morning in connection with a string of car burglaries. The three teens face 107 charges. The two juveniles who were also arrested are 16 and 17 years old, although their names are not being released.

Alabaster Deputy Chief Curtis Rigney said one of the teens, a 17-year-old Alabaster male, was seen crossing a citizen's yard in the Cedar Meadows subdivision around 3 a.m. Saturday when the home's owner spotted him.

As the male got into the owner's car, the owner approached the male at gunpoint and held him there until police arrived.

Upon further investigation, the police also arrested a 16-year-old Helena male and 18-year-old Cody Steele Smith of Chelsea. The names of the two juveniles are not being released.

The two juveniles are being held at the juvenile detention center, while Smith is being held on $305,500 bond at the Shelby County Jail.

The three men face a combined 107 charges, including 61 juvenile petitions, 29 felonies and 17 misdemeanors.

Rigney said he believes the three have been responsible for a rash of break-ins since March.

"There could be additional charges," Rigney said. "Detectives are still working the case."

Once the 17-year-old was in custody, Rigney said he found out the three had been close to being caught on several occasions.

Because of constant patrols in the area, the 17-year-old told police that the three were close to being caught several times and often had to hide to prevent being caught from patrolling police cars.

"Our patrol division did an excellent job of deterring more crime," Rigney said.

Although police would rather have people call them first, Rigney said the citizen who apprehended the 17-year-old helped prevent more crime.

"A lot of crimes that are solved are due to a concerned citizen," Rigney said. "Had this man and his wife not done anything at that time, there is no telling how many more crimes would have taken place."

Rigney also said the three could face additional charges in Helena and other municipalities.

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