Juvenile charged with damaging Helen businesses

HELEN - A White County teen is in custody, charged with throwing rocks through the windows of some area businesses and stealing items inside.

Helen Police Lt. Richard Murphy said the 15-year-old male was driving under the influence and stopped at some businesses in Helen, including the BP convenience store on Main Street. Murphy said the teen obtained entry into the store and stole beer.

He then proceeded to drive to Clevelend, where he was apprehended in the Wal-Mart parking lot by officers from the White County Sheriff's Office, Cleveland Police and Helen Police.

The youth was turned over to Helen authorities because the majority of the charges he faces occurred there. Murphy said the youth was transported to the Regional Youth Detention Center in Gainesville.