Catawba County sheriff's Maj. Coy Reid says that when deputies caught a 16-year-old suspect on Wednesday, they confiscated his cell phone. Soon, a text message arrived asking the teen if he had been caught.
The deputies typed "no" in response. After a few more messages, the sender said he would try to pick up his friend, not knowing he was in custody.
Deputies waited in an area where several break-ins had occurred.
They say they arrested the 17-year-old texter after finding him in a car with three other people.
Both teens face several charges, including larceny and breaking and entering.