Teens accused in vehicle theft ring hit with new charges while in Louisville's jail

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Three teens arrested Sunday after a lengthy, multi-agency pursuit that stretched across state lines were hit with more charges while in Louisville's jail.

The 18-year-olds are believed to be part of an organized vehicle theft crew that's reprogramming key fobs, according to Louisville Metro Police.

Not guilty pleas were entered for Parker Campbell, Jahmari Crume, and Caleb McClean during their arraignment Tuesday morning on charges of engaging in organized crime, fleeing police in a motor vehicle, tampering with physical evidence, criminal mischief and several other charges.

The judge said since their arrests, the teens have picked up charges for assault and wanton endangerment against another inmate while in jail.

The teens were taken into custody after a police chase through Indiana and a commotion in downtown Louisville over the weekend.

According to police, officers were monitoring a vehicle connected to a series of vehicle thefts when they attempted a traffic stop in the 9700 block of Dixie Highway. Campbell, Crume and McClean were reportedly seen in the area.

Police said Campbell was driving a silver Honda Odyssey, with McClean and Crume riding as passengers. The suspects reportedly fled after police tried to stop them, prompting a pursuit involving several LMPD divisions — including the department's Air and Drone units— as well as Indiana State Police.

According to court documents, the teens threw guns from the vehicle during the pursuit, including an AR-style rifle, that were later recovered by detectives. Authorities also said the suspects were believed to be wearing body armor and had police-style equipment.

Investigators said Crume exited the vehicle first, and was arrested after a short foot pursuit. Crume is a convicted felon, accused of breaking into an unmarked LMPD vehicle and stealing guns and a vest.

The chase crossed into southern Indiana before Campbell and McClean crossed back into Louisville on the Second Street Bridge in a different stolen vehicle as a crowd was leaving the Kentucky International Convention Center downtown.

The pursuit ended downtown near Fourth and Main streets, where police say the suspects abandoned the vehicle and ran into a parking garage. Officers took them into custody without further incident.

According to police, the teens are part of a crew targeting houses to steal cars.

"A car theft crew that's approaching houses, they're all armed and they cover the house," LMPD Sgt. Joe Keeling said. "They basically maintain security on the house in case someone comes out and tries to interrupt them stealing their vehicle, and they all actively stand there with handguns, rifles, whatever they have."

More charges are expected to be filed against the teens.

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