13-year-old, 16-year-old detained for armed robbery outside Nederland Taco Bell

Published 12:25 pm Friday, December 8, 2023

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NEDERLAND — Port Arthur juveniles, ages 13 and 16, are in custody after an armed robbery outside Taco Bell in Nederland.

The teens reportedly tried to enter Taco Bell, 2816 FM 365 at approximately 2 a.m. Friday, but the doors were closed. The duo allegedly then tried to carjack and rob a woman in the parking lot, Nederland Police Chief Gary Porter said.

It is believed the 13-year-old fired a shot at the vehicle, which struck a child safety seat, though no child was in the vehicle at the time and no injuries were reported.

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Police set up a perimeter and were able to capture 2 people, who were transported to the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center. They were charged with aggravated robbery.

Porter said officers searched the neighborhood and located a gun they believe was used in the robbery. The gun had been reported as stolen from Port Arthur several years ago, he said.

Porter said the 13-year-old is a Port Arthur Independent School District student but they have not been able to locate a school associated with the 16-year-old.

The names of the juveniles cannot be released due to their ages.

Police are also investigating to see if the juveniles were involved with stealing a car with a wedding cake inside from Golden Croissant in Nederland in May.