7 teens arrested in apartment car burglaries

RIDGELAND — Police arrested seven teenagers in two unrelated vehicle burglaries reported here late last month at apartment complexes.

According to Lt. Brett Bertucci, Brian Jamal Davis, 18, and Brayden Pierre Bethea, 18, both of Ridgeland, were arrested at an apartment complex off William Boulevard on Monday, April 21, at about 11:45 p.m. They were charged with multiple counts of auto burglary.

Bertucci said a 13-year-old juvenile was also arrested, and a fourth subject escaped.

In a separate incident, the following evening at about 10:30 p.m., RPD arrested Omar Alfonso Solano, 18, of Ridgeland at Pear Orchard Apartments and detained three other juvenile males, Bertucci said. 

Bertucci said officer identified Solano was wearing a ski mask and had burglary tools at the time of his arrest.

Solano has been charged with possession of burglary tools and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Davis, Bethea, and Solana were each transported to the Madison County Detention Center to await an initial appearance before a Ridgeland Municipal Court Judge. 

All of the juveniles involved in these incidents were later released to guardians. Bertucci said all of the juveniles are from Ridgeland.

“We commend the proactive work of our officers to deter such criminal behavior, protecting our citizens and their property,” Bertucci said.

Bertucci said he encouraged those who park in Ridgeland to ensure their vehicle is secure.

“I would encourage all citizens to keep their car doors locked at all times when their vehicles are unoccupied,” Bertucci said. “It is also important that citizens remove firearms and other valuables from unoccupied vehicles or at least keep these items out of plain view.”