La Grande teens arrested on theft charges

Published 12:42 pm Thursday, November 21, 2013

Two La Grande juveniles were arrested Wednesday after the pair were found riding a stolen ATV.

A 13-year-old and a 14-year-old were both charged with three counts of second-degree criminal trespass, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and second-degree theft. They were also cited on charges of operating an ATV on a roadway, failure to wear a helmet when required, attempt to elude on an ATV and endangering the passenger while on an ATV.

Deputy Cody Bowen of the Union County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop the ATV for a minor traffic violation, but the riders attempted to elude the deputy. After a short distance, the ATV sopped, according to sheriff’s officials. Bowen determined the ATV had been stolen from a La Grande residence. The resident was not aware the ATV was stolen and had not reported it.

The deputy also determined gas had been stolen from another La Grande resident, who was also unaware of the theft.

The juveniles were taken into custody and turned over to the Union County Juvenile Department.