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Police say teen stole car for joyride

By SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER
Published September 12, 2005

TAMPA - The 15-year-old New Tampa resident was one of many children and teens Sunday evening who went to St. James United Methodist Church, where parishioners had a farewell party for their departing children's director.

But police say he was the only one who broke into a church office and rifled through purses in the kitchen - stealing money, a cell phone and the keys to a 2004 Honda Pilot.

"This is obviously someone that needs to be at church," said the Rev. Brian James, pastor for St. James. "He just doesn't need to be stealing from the church."

The teen, whose name is not being published because of his age, was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center on Sunday night and charged with felony burglary, said Tampa Police spokesman Joe Durkin.

According to a police report, the teen broke into a locked office shortly after 6 p.m. and took money, a cell phone and the Honda keys from purses stored in the office. James said the teen, who had visited the church only a few times, also stole from purses in the church kitchen. The church is at 16202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

The teen then drove around in the Honda for two hours, as church members realized their stuff was gone, police said.

Police did not say how much the teen, a resident of the Addison Park at Cross Creek Apartments, stole. But when they arrested him Sunday night, he had already spent it, Durkin said.

Police officers did not say what he bought.

James said this is the first such incident in his more than five years at the church, which made headlines last year when the congregation donated $1-million in 10 days as part of an ambitious capital campaign.

As disappointing as Sunday's crime was, James said he hopes some good can come from it.

"Sometimes people make mistakes and do things that are not good," he said. "But we're still in touch with the family, and this might be a good chance to do some ministry."

Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler can be reached at 813 226-3373 or svansickler@sptimes.com

[Last modified September 12, 2005, 18:10:04]