Accused park burglars caught in the act

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile police arrested three teenagers after a break-in at Trimmier Park in Mobile.

It's the third time it's happened in as many weeks. This time, according to police, a gun was involved when accused thieves ransacked Trimmier Park's concession stand Sunday.

The alleged bandits swiped candy, chips and change from the park, which is located of Dauphin Island Parkway. Park president Tommie Vines said the total loss is around $2,000.

He also said something has got to give. Vines lives close to the park and received a call moments after he left. The police told him there had been a break-in.

“I’m like, a break-in?” said Vines. “I just left the park."

Mobile Police said three teens, one 16 and two 15-year-olds, are behind the burglary.

"One of the kids was outside with a crow bar just banging on the air conditioner unit and the police heard him. They called for other cops and all of the other kids took off running for the field," said Vines.

One of the teens was armed, according to police.

"A 16 year-old was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit," said Ashley Rains with the Mobile Police Department.

Vines said that changes the game entirely.

"He's standing there with a gun and I am unarmed, I do not carry a gun. He has one choice and that is to probably shoot me," said Vines.

All three teens were charged with burglary.

As Vines surveyed the damage Monday, he wondered how the park will replace the stolen items. He hopes the city will help them recover and find ways to nip activity like this in the bud.

Vines said it is time for parents and others in the community to step up.

"Let us try to come up with some programs that will help these kids keep occupied," said Vines.

Frank Nichols grew up at the community park and now serves as the athletics director there. He said he could have gone down the wrong path, too.

"I had a lot of people that used to talk to me," said Nichols. "Guidance, that is what kept me from straying way off."

Nichols said if the teen thieves needed the food he would have given it to them. He isn’t holding a grudge either.

"I want to help them," said Nichols. "I forgive them."