Harris County Precinct 1 Constable's Office deputies arrested 18-year-old Steve Young on Friday night. They say he confessed to recently shooting out a number of car windows in the Woodlands Heights area with a BB gun.
Charges are expected to be filed Sunday against the teen, who is accused of damaging more than two dozen vehicles earlier this month.
Pct. 1 Constable Alan Rosen said many of the victims played a big role in Young's arrest.
"This is good police work," Rosen said. "It's a good collaboration between the private citizens and law enforcement."
It was a crime that caught the attention of many neighbors immediately.
"We had some homeowners that were outside and actually heard the BB guns being shot into the vehicles, and they were able to look at what vehicle actually did it," Rosen explained. "They were able to see him sticking the weapons out of the window."
Investigators said the BB guns have a very real look to them.
"If law enforcement were to encounter someone who had weapons like this, it could really turn into a very sad situation, because these weapons, although BB guns, they look extremely real," Rosen said.
Young had nothing to say as he was led to jail in handcuffs, but deputies said he has confessed to the crimes. Fortunately, no one was in any of the cars. But investigators said Young left thousands of dollars in damage.
Young was charged with possession of marijuana upon his arrest. Deputies planned to ask for enhanced charges Sunday because of the extensive damage done to the vehicles. Investigators also believe he did not act alone.
"They just went out and decided to commit this vandalism," Rosen said. "It's a very hurtful thing. It bothers people. This time of year, we should be thinking about Christmas, taking care of each other and watching each other. This guy just decided to destroy people's property."
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