Police Say 11-year-old Stole Cars
Police Say 11-year-old Stole Cars Save Email Print
Posted: 9:44 PM Sep 21, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:09 PM Sep 22, 2008
 Reporter: Ashlea Sigman
Email Address: sigman@kbtx.com
66 comments
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It will be another five years before he's old enough for a driver's license, but police say that hasn't stopped an 11-year-old from stealing cars.

On September 11th, an employee at Mansel's Wheel Alignment, in Bryan, says he was test-driving a repaired vehicle when he noticed another car from the lot being driven off.

Police say the employee followed the car to Sonic, where an 11-year-old boy hopped out of the car and ran. Employees say they caught the boy. Police say he admitted to stealing the car.

Five days later, Bryan police were called again when they say the same 11-year-old took off with another one.

Mansel employees say he and the car were found at Stephen F. Austin middle school. They say officers told them that was the 5th car the Bryan boy had stolen in 30 days.

The child, whose name is not being released, was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle because of the September 11th incident, and taken to the Brazos County Juvenile Justice Center. If found guilty of the class C misdemeanor, the boy could face up to a $500 fine.

Police say he is also a suspect in a home burglary.
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Posted by: KH Location: Bryan on Sep 26, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Ernie: add T and Alaska. He is also a Doctor, A State Rep, MBA Grad.of TAMU, Police Officer, Has a uncle that is a super Cop from CS, Millionaire land owner in Bryan, 4Th generation Bryan leader, Has homes in Traditions and Miramont, Moved to Bryan from CS since CS is so poor, and is playing golf now. Tell me he is not on some Bryan drugs.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 at 02:21 PM
NBA-Normal Bryan Activity. NBR-Normal Bryan Reasoning.
Posted by: Marjorie Krause Location: Anchorage, Alaska on Sep 25, 2008 at 10:03 PM
$500.00 fine. What a joke. When is enough---enough? Make the boy accountable for the crime and the parent's accountable for the boy.
Posted by: Dave on Sep 25, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Dont be suprised if this kid becomes a star in NASCAR.
Posted by: sarah Location: caldwell on Sep 25, 2008 at 09:30 AM
His parents are just gonna bail him out of it so he can do it again. A fine that his parents have to pay is not going to teach him anything.
Posted by: Ernie Location: College Station on Sep 24, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Let not your hearts be troubled about "Bill." Just about everyone who post messages on local media web sites has figured out this is one individual posting under different names. He responds to himself too - under a different name (i.e., Dave from Bryan who posted at 07:17AM is really "Bill." He is just as irritating and prolific on The Eagle's web site.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 24, 2008 at 09:33 AM
"I have a feeling the boy has stolen a lot more than 5 cars, therefore probably knowing how to get a car to start without keys." Unless he's a REALLU big strong 11 year old, I doubt he has the strength to crack a steering column. And unless he can unlock the steering wheel, starting the car isn't going to do him a lot of good.
Posted by: Bricker on Sep 24, 2008 at 08:39 AM
This is one seriously motivated kid. Get him pointed in the right direction (at least one that doesn't involve felony theft) and there's no telling how far he could go.
Posted by: Dave Location: Bryan on Sep 24, 2008 at 07:17 AM
Like it or not, what "Bill" said is correct. It is very sad to see the downward spiral of what was once a very nice town. I am afraid we have hit the point of no return. There are parts of this town that are messed up beyond repair. Many parts of town that were nice are not safe to venture in to during the middle of a sunny afternoon. Very sad.
Posted by: T Location: Bryan on Sep 23, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Narrow your blasts Bill. The actions of a few does not mean the other 65000 are that way or condone the activity.The same holds true of College Station.
Posted by: Bill Location: Anderson on Sep 23, 2008 at 02:22 PM
It does matter where the parents are. This child is a minor and must have adult supervision. Only would a parent from Bryan subject his child to BISD education and expect someone else to take care of his child. The way this child going his parents soon won't have to worry about supervising him. The state will be his new guardian. If Bryan parents were not so addicted to narcotics and liquor and crime they would have time for their children. One only has to look at the city to see this is true. Bryan once again has reached another low point for Texas.
Posted by: Jess Location: Bryan on Sep 23, 2008 at 02:17 PM
I agree with Stuart. Everyone is assuming the Mansel's left the keys in the car. Say they did the first time when the boy stole the car; wouldn't you think the Mansel's learned their lesson? So, why would they leave keys in the car again? I have a feeling the boy has stolen a lot more than 5 cars, therefore probably knowing how to get a car to start without keys.
Posted by: Responding to:Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:01 AM on Sep 23, 2008 at 01:31 PM
You know I am really getting tired of this "NBA" post....IF THIS IS NORMAL BRYAN ACTIVITY....THEN ITS NEA (NORMAL EVERYWHERE ACTIVITY) because there is crime EVERYWHERE! Not just Bryan, but the crime is all over the world, USA....So STOP WITH THE NBA POSTS!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Tj Location: Bryan on Sep 23, 2008 at 01:24 PM
I have taken my cars to Mansels for a long time, and never have I saw them act in anyway that would put a customers car @ risk. I agree with others here, this sounds like dealerships that bring cars there for service, and leave the keys in the ignition.
Posted by: D Location: Bryan on Sep 23, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Let's not forget that the Mansel's chased this boy down and kept him until the police were called to come get him. I agree that is doesn't matter who left the keys in the car or what part of town this was in. Steeling is wrong and we should love our children enough to teach them right from wrong. I thank the Mansel's for catching him before he hurt someone in one of his stolen cars! Go Lil Bob!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: bryan on Sep 23, 2008 at 12:30 PM
it doesnt matter if its bryan or college station and it doesnt matter where the parents were... maybe the parents were working.. ITS THE SYSTEM!!!! im sure this child and many other children (bryan and college station) know that they can do this and all that will happen is a slap on thew wrist!PUT THE LIL PUNKS IN JUVI AND MAKE THEM WAIT FOR A COURT DATE. if an adult cant bond out , the adult has to sit there for months b4 a court date is set, do that for the kids too. dont let them have a quick court date. AND hold the parents responsible also. this kid didnt just take 1 car he took 5. he knew what he was doing and he knew it was wrong! i have a 12yr old and if he did that i would deal with it andhe would never even think bout doin it again, and it would be dealt with not using physical punishment. i dont need to spank my kids, but if i did, I WOULD!!! THE KID MAY BE 11, HE STOE 5 CARS, TRY HIM AS AN ADULT!
Posted by: Sn Location: Bryan on Sep 23, 2008 at 11:35 AM
opps! make that WOODSHED
Posted by: Sn Location: Bryan on Sep 23, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Sounds like this child needs some time out back behind the woodsheed!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 23, 2008 at 11:23 AM
"Who cares if Mansels left 300 set of keys in the car, unlocked with the windows down... " I do. While it's not illegal to enable people to commit crimes with a minimum of problems, it's certainly negligent to do so. Would you continue to keep your money in a bank that just left it unattended in the middle of the floor with the doors unlocked when they closed up at the end of the day? While that wouldn't make it "ok" for crooks to help themselves, the probability of that happening would make me highly nervous about entrusting them with MY savings...
Posted by: Ruth Location: Bryan on Sep 23, 2008 at 10:33 AM
How dare anyone call little Bobby Mansel a goofy kid! His daddy trained him well and he is one of the most intelligent mechanics I have ever known. He has forgotten more about working on cars than most people will ever know. Mansel's have been in business for over 30 years and it didn't happen by having "goofy" mechanics. This is a very well respected business.
Posted by: angela on Sep 23, 2008 at 10:07 AM
This boy is cryin out for help.The boy is only 11 yrs. old.The mom and dad should be ashamed of themselves.It is obvious that they show this boy no love or attention.It is not too late for this 11 yr old.Someone needs to reach out to him seriously.All the smart comments about the boy and the neighborhoods are not called for.Grow up..
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 11:18 PM
If you check the jail system you may find the parents. Remember this is Bryan.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 10:25 PM
This is a safe area of Bryan near downtown. Beck is by it. Maybe we need to talk with the mayor?
Posted by: June Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:50 PM
This young man needs a trip to the wood shed.
Posted by: Bryan Resident Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Who cares if Mansels left 300 set of keys in the car, unlocked with the windows down... Does it make it ok to steal a car? I was taught don't take anything thats NOT yours! If this kid would have been punished the first time maybe he wouldn't have stole car #5!
Posted by: kh Location: bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 08:21 PM
The dealer may have left the keys in the car, but mansel , his wife or his goofy kid should have asked for the keys or took the keys out personally. I bet they do now!
Posted by: JJ Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 07:31 PM
If you feel this is bad. Check out BISD.
Posted by: Annie Location: CS on Sep 22, 2008 at 05:59 PM
This child needs a home with parents who care about him, and care about what he does. It's not too late. I hope the judge will take this into consideration.
Posted by: Thomas Location: Bryan, TX on Sep 22, 2008 at 05:21 PM
The reason the parents aren't around because mom is selling herself and dad is smoking crack. Mansel's? Isn't that close to BECK Street where 3/4's of all criminals live? It's a shame! Society has failed again and created another thug in training. It won't be long until he's able to start slinging dope and has a group of hoes on the corners.
Posted by: Ms A Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 04:54 PM
This child's actions are a cry for help. His repeated criminal record indicates he is not being supervised. A fine of $500 won't help. He needs professional help. Remember, it was an 11 year kid who killed his classmates in Arkansas not so long ago. He is young enough to be helped. Don't throw him away.
Posted by: Stuart Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 04:49 PM
No where in the article does it state that the Mansel's left the keys in the vehicle. People need to stop jumping to conclusions and making things up as they go. The child is to blame. He was the one that broke the law and needs to be held accountable (along with his parents).
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Future Aggie....
Posted by: To Family on Sep 22, 2008 at 02:04 PM
"No, Mansels did not leave the keys in the cars, the dealership that brought the cars in for repair are the people that left the keys in them." Then BOTH the dealership AND Mansels are to blame; if the driver had left a burning cigarrette on the seat, would Mansels have been blameless if they had left it to burn the car to the ground? Whenever I've brought my vehicle to a repair shop, I have to hand over the keys when they prepare the work order describing what's wrong. And I have no clue what they'd do if I just parked it and walked away without talking to them; Immediately called the cops and reported it as a probable stolen vehicle, I suspect. Otherwise, they'd be nailed as a possible chopshop if some kid dumped their hot ride and the cops DID find it there.
Posted by: city2country Location: brazos county on Sep 22, 2008 at 01:32 PM
I worked in the Bryan and College Station schools for years meeting with and assessing, if needed, kids who were 9 through 16. CSID refused for years to have any agencies come into the schools because "College Station doesn't have a drug or behavior problem in our schools". As for the writers who view Bryan as a slum where all of societies ills manifest you are sadly mistaken if you think just because you live in CS you are insulated. I saw as much, if not more, drug use, alcohol, crime and abuse in the CS schools as I did in Bryan. I love both cities so why do you all keep knocking the other?
Posted by: Family Member Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 01:03 PM
I know the Mansels personally and I know the complete story. Only 2 cars were stolen, the others from somewhere else in town. Yes, the 11 year and 2 others stole the first car from Mansels. No, Mansels did not leave the keys in the cars, the dealership that brought the cars in for repair are the people that left the keys in them. You say, don't call the police and beat the snot out of the kid, well, if they had done that, they would be the ones on the news and not the kid. Think straight people. This kid has issues and either needs to be put in juvy or sent to jail with the adults. There are some serious problems with this.
Posted by: none of your business on Sep 22, 2008 at 12:39 PM
the father's name will give it all away. his rap sheet is longer than a dean kootz book. just know that this child is REALLY crying out for help. to my knowledge, he skipped school. so not only are the parents to blame, let's look at the school system as well.
Posted by: State Jail Felony Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 12:30 PM
.§ 31.07.UNAUTHORIZED[0] USE OF A VEHICLE. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly operates another's boat, airplane, or motor-propelled vehicle without the effective consent of the owner. (b) An offense under this section is a state jail felony. Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, § 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994..
Posted by: cindy Location: bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 12:25 PM
where were the parents?and this family needs some serious help.and this kid needs bootcamp!
Posted by: BCS Location: BCS on Sep 22, 2008 at 12:25 PM
to the Bryan Bashers, Like Tommy Preston Jr from Consol is any better... he assaulted a clerk at La quinta inn
Posted by: Jim Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Scotty's House is not a treatment facility for delinquents. It is child advocacy center for abused children. It's really hard to say what this kid needs, but it will eventually be life imprisonment.
Posted by: Thomas Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Maybe it's time to come off this bit of not publishing juveniles' names. In the case of serious crimes, let's try publishing the names of the juvenile AND his parents. It just may (although doubtful) be that there will be enough shame that some discipline will be applied. Remember that small boys are like canoes ... they both behave best when paddled from the rear.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Everyone needs to let this Bryan vs College Station stuff go. I can honestly say I am riding the fence. We live in College Station but our kids have to attend Bryan schools. If this back & forth doesn’t stop my poor kids are going to have split personalities. Bryan thugs vs College Station hypocrites...lol
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 10:09 AM
RE: Posted by: k Location: bcs on Sep 22, 2008 at 06:51 AM "he has no concept of the crime he is commiting" I beg to differ...I have 13 and 10 year old children, and I can promise you that they know that stealing anything that does not belong to you is wrong, let alone a car!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 10:02 AM
This is called training day in Bryan. Crime has to start someplace. Later he will be a Bryan master criminal. Ready for the county and state jail.
Posted by: LOUISE Location: BRYAN on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Was 3 cars stolen from Mansel's? Where were the other 3 stolen from? The boy's parents/legal guardian should be punished. He needs to be sent to Scotty's House because he hasn't been taught anything at home. There is lots of hope for an 11 yr. old if he is in the right enviroment.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:44 AM
I take Slum tours of Bryan with my children. You will get to see this type of activity first hand. Talking about it is good. Seeing it and talking about it is the best. It is a scared straight tour of Bryan
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Keeping it real. on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:32 AM
The parents make the child look good. It is a Bryan thing.
Posted by: a mom Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:29 AM
This child and his parents need real help quickly. I hope they get.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Paddle the kid AND his parents/guradians? I know all the rot that the Psychiatrists keep spouting about it not doing any good, but sooner or later, this kid HAS to learn that bad actions have BAD consequences, and noncorperal punishments don't seem to be getting the message across. And if he doesn't learn that lesson pretty soon, he's likely to have permanent room and board at a State run "hotel" before he finishes high school. Of course, Mansel probably needs a stern talking to about leaving the keys in the cars they are working on...
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Future Bryan resident in Training.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 09:01 AM
NBA-Normal Bryan Activity.
Posted by: BRYAN on Sep 22, 2008 at 08:59 AM
WHERE ARE THE PARENTS? HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW WHERE YOUR ELEVEN YEAR OLD CHILD IS? THE PARENTS SHOULD BE PUNISHED ALSO FOR LEAVING THEIR CHILD UNSUPERVISED. LOOKS LIKE PARENTS AND CHILD SHOUD BE PUNISHED FOR THIS...
Posted by: A Mom Location: Bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Where are the parents who are raising this child? Sounds like a lack of being raised and more of wanting attention because he is not getting any at home. Sad our society keeps people in law enforcement and the prison system employeed. Most people in this profession would love to find other work if the world were a perfect place, but it is not unfortunately. Raise your kids that is your job as a parent, do not let the child raise himself otherwise thank you for keeping people in law enforcement employeed. Shame on you for not doing your job as a parent. If you did not want the job you should have thought about that before you decided to take on the biggest job of your entire life of raising a child. You can't quite otherwise the child is the only one who suffers. They want love, security, role models,and parents to help them grow into a wonderful adult. If you can't do that then we will always do ours in the law enforcement. We will take better care of him for then you will.
Posted by: Paul Location: B/CS on Sep 22, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Don't release the child's name, release his fathers justiceweb profile. I am sure we will get all the answers there.
Posted by: DJ Location: College Station on Sep 22, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Maybe it is a Class C Misdemeanor for a juvenile and a felony for an adult??? I don't know. However, I'm impressed with the 11 year old's driving skills but this needs to be "nipped in the bud" before it becomes habitual.
Posted by: kh Location: bryan on Sep 22, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Maybe Mansels should start taking the keys out and locking the cars. It would make it a little harder for this punk to steal. when they caught him, they should have beat the snot out of him, instead of calling the police!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: bcs on Sep 22, 2008 at 07:25 AM
We had a car stole a few moths ago! It also was dumped at SFA. It had spanish grafitti on the inside and all over the dash. It had looked like a kid had been ii it for a few days....hmmmm
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 07:15 AM
Poor little feller, him just needed a ride to school
Posted by: bob Location: Texas on Sep 22, 2008 at 06:57 AM
The parents are really keeping up with their child, aren't they ?!?
Posted by: k Location: bcs on Sep 22, 2008 at 06:51 AM
where are the parents?? this kid is trouble, but how do you really punish him. giving him (or his legal gaurdians) a fine will not help this because he has no concept of the crime he is commiting so what do we do throw him in jail? he is just a child so what do we do give him a fine the circle goes on and on... this is sad, just very sad! I hope they find a way to do the right thing by this child whatever that may be
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Class C? It is a felony.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Last time I checked, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle was not a Class C misdemeanor.
Posted by: Woody Location: College Station on Sep 22, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Wow the kid has guts but we need to send a message to all the other lil future thugs. Give him the max fine and max punishment. he needs to learn there lesson and so do the parents.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Clay on Sep 22, 2008 at 12:01 AM
The good life starts young in Bryan. Two felonies before 12.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 21, 2008 at 10:42 PM
How is an 11 year old child left alone enough to steal even 1 car...let alone 5 cars in a 30 day period? Can the parents be charged with neglect or something?
Posted by: anonymous Location: CS on Sep 21, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle isn't a class C misdemeanor....it is a state jail felony (Penal Code 31.07). That means punishment is 180 days to 2 years incarceration and fine up to $10,000. http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/PE/content/htm/pe.007.00.000031.00.htm#31.07.00 http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/PE/content/htm/pe.003.00.000012.00.htm#12.35.00
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