Search On For Teens Who Escaped Kendall Detention Facility
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Miami-Dade Police Department is searching for two teens who escaped a juvenile detention facility in Kendall.
Police said three teens originally escaped from the Miami Youth Academy Sunday evening by breaking a window.
One teen was captured shortly after.
Police gave credit to neighbors for calling the authorities after spotting the teens. That helped offices capture Jason Posey, 15. He was originally booked on aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and grand theft charges among others.
Investigators said they could not find Jonathan Jacobo, 14, or Greggory Ruiz, 16.
"While we have received information that they are not armed, they have been instructed to us that they can be violent," Angel Rodriguez with the Miami-Dade Police Department said.
Jacobo is a teen was originally booked on possession of marijuana and trespassing among other charges. Ruiz currently faces a burglary charge.
"Please do not confront them. Do not engage them in any way shape or form. Rather, call 911 immediately, " Rodriguez said.
Residents who live in the area were alarmed when they heard about the escape.
"That's scary," said Jaylin Hernandez, "Really scary."
"I don't drive, I pretty much walk around," said Melissa Henley, "So what if something happens."
"You have to be on alert. I am, particularly on alert. When delinquents escape I am always concerned," said Irma Chaple. "Where was the security, that's what I'm wondering.
Miami Youth Academy is a facility along Southwest 84 Street. The website describes the school as a non-secure commitment program that serves boys ages 14 to 18.
"Yeah, I am a little scared. I lock my doors and I have alarms," said Karoly Carvajal.
TrueCore Behavioral Solutions operates the facility and has a contract with the state.
"The safety, security and well-being of the youth entrusted to TrueCore's care is our number one priority," the company said in a statement. "We are working closely with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and local authorities regarding the incident involving the three youths from Miami Youth Academy on Sunday night."
"The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) takes the safety and security of youth in our custody as our top priority. Yesterday, the contracted provider for Miami Youth Academy notified DJJ of an escape incident involving three youth," according to a statement from the state's Department of Juvenile Justice. "The Department is investigating the incident and contracted provider staff's adherence to policy and procedure, and should a failure be identified, staff will be held fully accountable for their actions."
Henley hopes the two teens will be captured soon.
"It would make me feel great. There are a lot of kids going to school here. We need to protect them and this needs to be paid attention to," she said.
All three teens will face additional charges for the escape.
