Juvenile arrested after smash-and-grab at vape shop

In Colorado Springs, a vandalism incident occurred at a vape shop early Wednesday morning. A stolen white Hyundai crashed into the Vape & Smoke Shop on North Academy Boulevard around 3:40 a.m., causing significant damage to the storefront. Following the crash, two minors entered the shop and stole various vape products. After the theft, they allegedly took a second vehicle, a Kia Soul, to escape the scene. Law enforcement was able to track down the stolen Kia, leading to the apprehension of the two minors. One juvenile was arrested for motor vehicle theft and had outstanding warrants, while the other minor was released as the investigation continues. The arrested juvenile had been previously detained several times this year for serious offenses, including aggravated robbery. This incident raises concerns about juvenile crime and the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures in place, considering this minor's repeated offenses. The situation also highlights the ongoing struggle with property crime in the region and its impact on local businesses, particularly as they recover from the economic challenges of recent years.