Alliance police apprehend juvenile burglary suspect, recover stolen handgun

ALLIANCE, Neb. – A juvenile was taken into custody early Friday morning after Alliance police officers linked him to an attempted burglary and a stolen firearm.

According to the Alliance Police Department, officers responded around 4 a.m. to a report of an attempted burglary at 935 Toluca Avenue. They discovered a broken window near the side entry door, where it appeared the suspect had tried to manipulate the lock but did not gain entry.

While canvassing the area, officers located a juvenile suspect lying in the grass nearby. Although the suspect was unarmed at the time of arrest, police said he had a loaded magazine for a Taurus handgun in his possession.

During the investigation, officers received a second report of theft from a motor vehicle at 811 Toluca Avenue. The vehicle’s owner reported that several items, including a Taurus handgun, had been stolen. Police said the vehicle had been left unlocked and showed no signs of forced entry.

A subsequent search between the two locations led officers to the recovery of the stolen handgun and other items. Footprints matching the juvenile’s shoes were found between the scene of the theft and where the firearm was recovered, authorities said.

The juvenile was transported to a detention facility and faces charges including criminal mischief, theft, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

The Alliance Police Department reminded residents to lock their vehicles and secure valuables to reduce the risk of theft.