13-year-old Manitowoc boy held for armed robbery, attempted burglary

MANITOWOC, Wis. (WBAY) - Police say a 13-year-old Manitowoc boy is being held on charges connected to an armed robbery and attempted burglaries in the city using a .45 caliber handgun.

The boy, who was not named, admitted to his involvement in the crimes, police say. Officers also found evidence connected to the cases.

Police have referred charges of Armed Robbery, Attempted Armed Robbery, Attempted Burglary, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Criminal Damage to Property, and other weapons-related offenses. The teen is being held at the Sheboygan County Juvenile Detention Center.

The armed robbery happened Monday, August 1. At 3:30 p.m., Manitowoc police were called to a business in the 700 block of N. 11th St. They say the suspect entered the business, demanded cash, and flashed a gun. He got away with cash and ran off.

The next day, at 8:45 a.m., police were called to a report of an attempted burglary at a business in the 900 block of N. 8th St. The suspect was not able to get inside the building but did cause damage. The suspect was caught on video. Police say he matched the suspect on video in the armed robbery from the day before.

Later that day, at about 12:05 p.m., officers were called back to the business on N. 8th St. for a report of an attempted robbery. Police say the suspect entered the business, demanded cash, and showed a gun. This time the business didn’t comply and called police. The suspect ran off.

Officers found the teen in the 800 block of N. 9th St. with a .45 caliber handgun.

The boy was wearing the clothing the robber was seen wearing in all of the crimes.

Police credit the businesses and their surveillance systems for leading to the arrest.

“What’s very helpful are businesses and their surveillance systems. With technology getting better every year, the video is getting very clearer. We were able to identify the pattern in this person’s sweatshirt and it was very distinct.”

Police also expressed concern about the boy’s access to guns. They’re asking adults to secure their firearms.

Copyright 2022 WBAY. All rights reserved.