2 charged in Elgin school's prom display car theft

Two Elgin teens were accused early Wednesday of stealing parts from a prom-display vehicle at Larkin High School, police said.

Michael G. Smith, 18, of 37W847 Acorn Lane, and John J. Otto, 18, of 1905 College Green Drive, each were charged with theft and damage to a vehicle, police said.

An officer driving by Larkin at 2:44 a.m. Wednesday noticed the two lying near the 2003 Toyota, police said.

The car, which previously had been damaged in an accident, was on display as part of a program warning about the dangers of prom-related drinking and driving.

The officer realized the two bodies were not part of the accident scene, and discovered that a theft was in progress, police said.

The two teens were taking side skirts, which make the vehicle look lower to the ground, and which were valued at $180, police said. The car was the property of Liberty Mutual Insurance.

After the display period ends, the car was to be scrapped or repaired and sold, police said.

Smith and Otto each posted bonds of $100 and were given June 13 court dates in Elgin Branch Court.