Three people were charged last week with vandalizing and burglarizing five cars in one night in September around the Mitchell area.
Jasmine Medicine Elk, 19, Lee Reed, 31, and Mahl'i Shell, 18, all of whom live in Mitchell, each face seven felony charges for the alleged break-ins, as well as misdemeanor charges of second-degree petty theft. All were interviewed by police on Dec. 4.
According to court documents, the five vehicles had their windows and windshields broken and their tires slashed between the evening of Sept. 13 and the following morning. Stolen items reportedly included a handgun and computer, as well as electronic car equipment, phone chargers, sunglasses and loose change.
Investigation led police to the three people who were arrested. While executing a search warrant on their West First Avenue residence, the 9mm handgun and laptop computer were found and identified by their serial numbers as being those stolen in September.
When interviewed, Medicine Elk and Reed reportedly both admitted to using a BB gun to shoot out the vehicles' windows. Shell allegedly admitted to slashing the tires, and Reed reportedly said he acted as a lookout. All three, according to court documents, cooperated with the investigation and said they had stolen items from the cars.
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Shell allegedly also said she had taken a tool belt from a Wisconsin Street residence's front yard. The tool belt was reported as stolen on Oct. 22.
Shell, Medicine Elk and Reed are all charged with intentionally causing between $5,000 and $100,000 in property damage, a Class 4 felony; grand theft of a firearm valued between $2,500 and $5000, a Class 5 felony; five counts of aggravated criminal entry to a motor vehicle, a Class 6 felony; and second-degree petty theft, a Class 2 misdemeanor. Shell faces an additional petty theft charge for allegedly stealing the tool belt.
If convicted of all felony charges, each could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.
