## Three Teens Charged After Attempted Vehicle Theft and Shooting in Battle Creek

## 13-Year-Old Crashes Into Home After Borrowing Friend's Car

## Battle Creek Police Crack Down on Juvenile Crime

Three teenagers are facing felony charges after an early Sunday morning incident in Battle Creek that escalated when suspects fired shots at a resident who confronted them. A separate incident occurred two days earlier when a 13-year-old crashed a vehicle into a home after borrowing his friend's car.

The shooting incident began around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, when Battle Creek Police responded to the 400 block of Arbor Pointe Drive after reports of an attempted vehicle theft. Multiple suspects tried to steal a vehicle and fired shots at a resident who confronted them, according to the Battle Creek Police Department.

The suspects fired four shots. The victim was not struck and did not suffer injuries.

"This incident appears to have been isolated, and we do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public." — Battle Creek Police Department

During the investigation, officers located four shell casings at the scene and reviewed video footage showing that the suspects had entered or attempted to enter additional vehicles in the area. Additional 911 calls from residents reported that the suspects were hiding nearby.

Officers located three juvenile male suspects near 20th Street and Michigan Avenue. The suspects include one 17-year-old male and two 16-year-old males. All three were lodged at the Calhoun County Juvenile Home.

Prosecutors will review the case and determine appropriate charges, which could include felony counts of larceny from a vehicle and aggravated felonious assault.

## Speeding Juvenile Crashes Into Home

On Saturday, April 4, a separate incident occurred in the 100 block of Post Avenue when a 13-year-old crashed a vehicle into a home. Battle Creek Sergeant Steve Brady told News Channel 3 that a 17-year-old had borrowed his mom's Mustang and allowed his underage friend to drive.

The 13-year-old was speeding when he lost control of the car and crashed into the front porch of a home. Emergency responders treated the vehicle passenger for a minor head injury.

Homeowner Leslie Lux, who has lived in the neighborhood for about 40 years, said the crash damaged his railing and front steps.

"They could have ran over my grandkids, my great grandkids -- they all play in this yard," Lux said. "My neighbors, they have kids, too."

Lux expressed concern about speeding drivers in his neighborhood, noting that a similar high-speed collision had occurred in October 2023 on the same corner that sent a car crashing into a nearby home, hospitalizing two people.

## Community Concerns Over Rising Juvenile Crime

Battle Creek police are cracking down on speeding and juvenile crime. The department has seen an uptick in property crime and gun violence involving juveniles in recent years.

Both incidents highlight the challenges facing Battle Creek as a mid-sized city dealing with youth crime. The three teens arrested after the shooting incident are now in the Calhoun County Juvenile Home awaiting court proceedings. The 13-year-old charged with reckless driving faces additional charges for driving while unlicensed.

Sources:

• WKZO - "Three juveniles arrested after attempted vehicle theft, shooting incident in Battle Creek" by Ken Delaney, April 6, 2026
• News Channel 3 (WWMT) - "13-year-old charged with reckless driving after crashing into Battle Creek home" by Autumn Pitchure, April 6, 2026
• Battle Creek Today - "Teens Arrested After Alleged Car Theft Attempt, Shooting in Battle Creek" by Battle Creek Police, April 6, 2026
• Battle Creek Police Department