Chief Says More LAPD Cadets May Have Taken Patrol Car Joyrides

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said Tuesday that investigators have identified additional cadets who may have taken rides in stolen police cars, part of an ongoing scandal involving the LAPD’s signature youth initiative.

Beck told the civilian Police Commission that the other cadets “may have had some knowledge” about or association with the seven teenage cadets who have been arrested on suspicion of stealing police cars and other equipment , the Los Angeles Times reports.

The chief cautioned that although the cadets were “much less involved” than those who have been arrested, they still could face a criminal investigation, diversion or removal from the cadet program.

The cadets may have ridden in the cars without being involved in taking them and “may or may not” have known the police cars in which they were riding were stolen, Beck said.