A 12-year-old boy was taken into custody after kicking in the front door of a home in Howell then being detained by the homeowner when he attempted to flee the scene.

According to Howell police, officers responded to Princeton Drive on Monday at about 3:28 p.m. after a homeowner called to report a male attempting to break into his house. When officers arrived in the area, they found the caller holding down a 12-year-old. He told police that while inside the home, he "heard a loud bang at the front of his residence" and then found that it had been forced open and the door frame was broken.

In a statement, police said the homeowner then saw the alleged offender running away from the house and attempting to leave the scene on an e-bike.

"The victim followed the suspect in his vehicle and after a short distance was able to get the suspect to stop," police said. "The victim then held the juvenile suspect down on the ground to prevent him from attempting to once again flee until officers arrived on scene. The victim was wearing a T-shirt, shorts, sandals and was not carrying anything in his possession during his interaction with officers."

The homeowner provided video from his home security system which showed the boy approaching the front door and kicking it, causing damage. Police also returned to the home to confirm the damage that was caused.

The juvenile was taken into custody and charged with criminal mischief before being released. Police say the victim's mother spoke to police and claimed that the homeowner pointed a gun at her son. Police, however, said they were unable to substantiate her claims after interviewing several eyewitnesses and reviewing security video.

Police are asking anyone who might have witnessed the event to contact Ptl. Lavarin at 732-938-4575, Ext. 2722