By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – A 20-year-old Alabaster man is facing up to life in prison after he was indicted recently on a gamut of charges alleging he broke into nearly a dozen vehicles in Alabaster and fired a handgun at a victim in April 2016.

During its June term, a Shelby County grand jury returned a 24-count indictment against Osbaldo Cruz, who lists an address on Morning Mist Trail in Alabaster, upholding 14 felony counts of unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle, one felony count of third-degree theft of property, one felony count of attempted murder and eight misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree theft of property.

Attempted murder is a Class A felony, and is punishable by up to life prison upon conviction. Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle is a Class C felony, and carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The Alabaster Police Department arrested Cruz on April 17, 2016, and charged him with the crimes.

Cruz’ charges stem from an alleged string of car burglaries off Kent Dairy Road and Second Avenue Southwest in Alabaster. According to his arrest warrants, Cruz allegedly broke into two 2007 GMC Yukons, a 2001 Ford Excursion, a 1998 Chevrolet S-10, a 2007 Ford F-150, a 1999 Toyota 4-Runner, a 2006 Honda Ridgeline, a 1998 Ford F-150, a 2000 Ford F-150, a 2009 GMC Yukon and a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer on the same night.

During the string of car break-ins, Cruz allegedly stole U.S. currency, speakers, a leather jacket, checks, personal documents, headphones and nail guns from a neighborhood off Kent Dairy Road and stole car keys from a residence off Second Avenue Southwest.

During the incident, Cruz allegedly discharged a handgun at one of the victims, resulting in the attempted murder charge.

On July 14, Cruz requested youthful offender status in the cases. As of July 20, Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Bill Bostick had not yet ruled on the youthful offender request.

Cruz is set to appear in Circuit Court on April 28 for a preliminary hearing.