Two teenagers, Daniel Rosa, 15, and Tharyn Battis Jr., 18, are facing legal issues after being accused of multiple armed carjackings in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. The incidents took place over a 24-hour period, with the suspects reportedly stealing cars and even causing a collision with a police vehicle. The case is still under investigation, according to NBC Philadelphia.
Rosa and Battis have been charged with robbery and theft. Rosa is being tried as an adult. The first incident happened on Monday when a woman was threatened at gunpoint and had her car stolen. The next day, Rosa stole another car, leading to a police chase. Rosa crashed into a police van and ran off with Battis into the woods. Battis was caught by police, and they found a gun, his phone, a vape pen, and a pocketknife in the area, as reported by CBS CBSNews and FOX 29 report.
Battis has caused trouble at the group home for court-mandated youth, with staff having "little or no control" over the residents, according to NBC Philadelphia. Bensalem Police have seen an increase in crimes near the homes, including over 50 car thefts. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which runs St. Francis and St. Vincent Homes, said "We remain committed to working with law enforcement as partners in community safety," as stated by CBS News. Authorities are asking residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity by calling 911. Rosa and Battis are in custody, with bail set high—Rosa at the Bucks County Youth Center and Battis at the Bucks County Correctional Facility. The investigation is still ongoing.
