A 10-year-old boy was arrested after he accompanied a thief while breaking into a store.
Police also arrested 18-year-old Steven A. Manor of Eustis, Florida, on
charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, criminal
mischief, petit theft and burglary.
However, Manor defended himself by telling the police that the 10-year-old pushed him to break into the store.
Manor was released from the Lake County Jail after posting bail of
$6,250. The 10-year-old boy, who was arrested, was not identified by
police.
According to an arrest affidavit, the Eustis police arrived at the
Dollar General on Bay Street, after the store alarm was activated.
Officers discovered the window had been broken with a large stone.
While they were at the scene, two people came over and told the officers that they saw three people running away from the store.
The witnesses said that they followed the group and they entered a room at the Budget Inn motel.
Police surrounded the building and arrested Manor and his 10-year-old accomplice. The two were identified by witnesses.
Surveillance video showed the two breaking the window. Manor then unlocked the cigarette case and took two packages.
Police said that Manor initially denied any involvement, but when he
finally admitted to his crime, he said that the 10-year-old boy and his
two cousins made him break into the store.