Police: Leesburg 13-year-old accused in car thefts steals motorcycle

LEESBURG, Fla. — A 13-year-old accused of stealing cars is back behind bars days after being released.

Investigators said this time, he stole a motorcycle.

Leesburg police said Jakiel Monroe has stolen more than a dozen cars in the past and that when he was recently released from juvenile detention, he told them he was going to go right back to stealing cars.

Deborah Timmons said Monroe stole her friend’s truck while it was parked outside her home.

Timmons said her friend was upset, but relieved the suspect dumped the truck after a short joy ride.

“I just hope he doesn’t run up on the wrong person because not everyone is going to react like I would,” she said. “You know some people would probably hurt him.”

Monroe’s mother said she’s doing the best she can to keep an eye on Monroe, but he is a special-needs child with no father or male role model.

She said she’s hoping to get his life back on track.

Cox Media Group