An Indianapolis mom recognized her son in surveillance footage while he ransacked a convenience store with friends, police say.
An Indianapolis mom turned her suspected shoplifter son into police this week after recognizing him in surveillance footage released by police.
Police say 18-year-old Jonathan Ratcliff is part of a group of offenders that has repeatedly looted area convenience stores for candy, snacks and other merchandise they've stuffed into bags before fleeing.
Ratcliff's mom did the right thing, police said. However, they believe they were already hot on his trail.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police said that, during one of the robberies, a suspect threw his backpack at the gas station attendant.
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"These brazen suspects just did not care and came with the sole intent of causing mayhem," police said in a statement Friday.
But inside the backpack, police say, were homework assignments with the name Jonathan Ratcliff at the top, reports WTTV.
Once at the precinct, police say Ratcliff provided them with enough evidence to charge him with theft.
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Meanwhile, at least one store owner said he hopes this is the end of the string of robberies that cost him hundreds of dollars each time.
“It’s like 500 to 600 dollars each time you know. There’s seven kids and they keep doing it. They never stop,” said the store owner.
Police are stil in search of at least two other suspects and said they continue to rely on help from the public and media, as well as on mother's like Ratcliff's.
"We know that the message is getting out there. We know this is an example for citizens to see, when you see something, do the right thing. Do like this mother did in turning her son in," said IMPD Sgt. Kendale Adams.
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