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NC teen behind bars after police say he stole a pickup truck and crashed into a house

Posted at 10:03 AM, Jan 30, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-30 14:28:30-05
Joseph Franz, 19, of Kill Devil Hills

Joseph Franz, 19, of Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills, N.C. – A teen is now behind bars after police say he stole a pickup truck from a store parking lot over the weekend and crashed into a house.

According to Kill Devil Hills police, on Saturday 19-year-old Tyler Joseph Franz of Kill Devil Hills stole a Dodge pickup truck from the Belk’s store parking lot.

The vehicle had been left unlocked with the keys inside. At approximately 9:15 p.m., police say Franz drove the stolen vehicle through a Highway Patrol checkpoint on Colington Road, nearly striking a State Trooper.

Police began to follow Franz, until they say he crashed into an unoccupied house on West Airstrip Road. The teen was injured in the crash; no other injuries were reported.

Police arrested the 19-year-old and formally charged him with 13 offenses.

During the investigation following the incident, Kill Devil Hills officers discovered that Franz was also connected to a stolen vehicle case that occurred on January 7. Police say Franz stole a 2001 Ford Explorer from the Spring Arbor Assisted Living parking lot. He then drove the vehicle “in a sufficiently reckless manner”; two citizens then called 911 to complain. That vehicle was later discovered abandoned near Walker Street.

An investigation into other crimes Franz may have been involved is ongoing.

Franz is currently being held at the Dare County Detetion Center under a $21,000 secured bond.

Police say additional charges are pending, and will be submitted to the Grand Jury for indictment.