The Eyewitness National Crime Alert for August 21, 2017

These incidents were reported across the country from 8.7.17 to 8.20.17

St. Petersburg, FL — Reported 8.7.17

Three Teens Die After “Cat and Mouse” Game with Stolen Cars

In the grey dawn hours of 8.6.17, three teenagers lost their lives in a fiery car crash after playing a game of “cat and mouse” in speeds exceeding 100 mph.

The two cars involved were stolen three days before from a local Clearwater car dealership, potentially for criminal activity. While sheriff’s deputies spotted the vehicles, they did not pursue. Instead, they tried to set up a perimeter to trap the cars, but saw the cars outside of the established area.

Eventually, one stolen vehicle car hit a bystander’s vehicle around 100 MPH, went airborne, hit five more cars at a dealership, hit a billboard pole, and caught fire. Three of its juvenile passengers died at the scene, while one passenger managed to escape with her life. Police managed to arrest the teenagers in the other stolen vehicle. Later reports discovered that the group of juvenilles shared a staggering 126 prior arrests between them, most relating to automobile theft. (Original article)

Victorville, CA — Reported 8.7.17

Employee Man Spots Homeless Man Trying to Steal Vehicles, Merchandise

In the early morning of 8.4.17, a dealership employee called the police to report a homeless man attempting to enter vehicles in the service area. The man left when initially confronted, but returned later to take undisclosed merchandise from the parts department. Again, dealership employees managed to escort the wanderer off-site. Police arrested him at a nearby shopping center later that day for another attempt of grand theft auto, as well as violation of his probation for still another grand theft auto attempt in May 2017. (Original article)

Saline County, KS — Reported 8.7.17

Son Forged Father’s Information for Attempted Test Drive Theft

On 8.5.17, a man filled out a loan application for a 2015 Toyota Tundra. While out on the test drive, the dealership employees reviewed the loan application. Working with the bank — which called the man identified on the paperwork — they quickly discovered that the potential “customer” had used his father’s information for the application.

The dealership contacted the police. They quickly located the truck (valued around $32,000) to arrest its would-be driver for attempted felony theft, forgery, identity theft, possession of an opiate, and driving while suspended. (Original article)

Corpus Christi, TX — 8.7.17

Police Call Dealership Owner to Notify of Break-In

At 2 AM on 8.7.17, a Corpus Christi pre-owned car dealership fielded a call from police for a break-in. The dealership’s front door was “shattered,” and up to 30 keys taken from the office. The only car currently stolen was a “sky-blue” Dodge Charger, but the missing keys imply future robberies.

The dealership lacks any surveillance equipment, and will try to piece together the events using neighboring business’s cameras. (Original article)

Albany, GA — Reported 8.8.17

Dealership Loses $80,000 in One Break-In

On 8.5.17, a dealership’s surveillance system recorded three individuals breaking into the showroom by kicking down a service door. They stole keys from the showroom, then stole three cars: two Honda Civics and one Honda Acord. Between the lost cars and the damages, the dealership lost over $80,000 in one night.

Here is provided surveillance footage of the break-in. If you have any information, please contact the Albany Police department. (Original article)

Harris County, Texas — 8.8.17

Over $1 Mil in Total Losses to 9-Person Car Ring

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office charged nine individuals for stealing cars from local dealerships using fake keys, then selling them online with equally fake documents. According to authorities, the 25 dealers involved lost $787,294 in retail value, while the 27 buyers of stolen vehicles lost $229,000.

Police have recovered 29 cars, all GM models from 2009 to 2014. The thieves sold their stolen goods in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.

One suspect involved with this crime ring remains at large, though police warn that similar crimes are growing in popularity. (Original article)

Bellevue, WA — 8.9.17

Brazen Thief Tries to Steal Car While Police Watch

Two motorcycle-mounted police officers were investigating a crash near a local dealership, when a young man jumped into an SUV parked on the car lot and drove away. The officers quickly pursued the thief and called for backup.

By the time the incident concluded with the thief’s arrest:

• The police used batons and a “window punch tool” to try and break the stolen car’s windows;
• A bystander’s car and a police motorcycle were damaged; and
• The front tires of the stolen car were punctured by a spike strip.

Talk about a bad day for everyone, though luckily no injuries occurred. (Original article)

Dearborn Heights, IL — Reported 8.10.17

Dark Car Lot Prevents Surveillance Recording of Car Thief

A local dealership owner noticed a 2007 Ford F-250 missing from his lot on 8.7.17 and called the police. Despite locking the car lot and the vehicle, footage from CCTV shows the truck’s taillights flaring around 11:30 PM on 8.5.17 before pulling off the lot. However, the cameras were unable to capture any image of the thief on the dark lot, stymying future investigations. (Original article)

DeKalb, IL — Reported 8.10.17

Dealership Employee Arrested for Car Theft

Police arrested a local dealership employee on 8.8.17 for possession of a vehicle stolen from his employer. The dealership reported a 2006 Nissan Altima stolen on 5.22.17, which entered a police database. They found the missing vehicle in Chicago five days later.

Evidence from the car eventually led to the employee’s arrest at his home. (Original article)

Faribault, MN — Reported 8.10.17

Thieves Snip Through Car Lot Fence

Two men and two minors broke into a vehicle impound lot to steal “money and other items of value,” according to one of the suspects. They cut a hole in the fence surrounding the lot and broke into at least nine vehicles. Their haul included a personal computer, cellphone, copper wire, laptop cases, gasoline, and brake pads.

Eyewitnesses called police to the lot around 2 AM for suspicious flashlights seen inside the facility. Police arrested all four, with the adults charged with possession of burglary tools, tampering with a motor vehicle, theft, and fourth-degree property damage. (Original article)

Stanton, DE — Reported 8.10.17

Automotive Repair Shop Burglarized Twice in 24 Hours

State troopers responded to an early morning burglar alarm at a Delaware repair shop. When they arrived on the scene, five people fled, with one later apprehended. The group smashed the shop’s front window and stole two dozen car keys, recovered in a nearby vehicle previously reported as stolen.

The same shop called police for a second burglary, after criminals busted the sheet of plywood erected over the smashed window. They stole a lock box with car keys, cash, and a business credit card. The group also stole two customer vehicles — a 2009 red VW Jetta and a 2007 black Nissan Murano.

Police later recovered the Murano in a residential area, where the suspect’s mother helped authorities apprehend teenage thief-driver. (Original article)

Newport News, VA — 8.10.17

Experience Ex-Salesman Pays for Identity Theft Scheme

A five-year car salesman plead guilty to an identity theft scheme that ran 2014–2016. He teamed up with another individual to steal money from car customers’ accounts using personal information obtained during the purchase process. To add insult to injury, the ex-salesman gave his associate the information of those clients he personally worked with.

While the other man applied for $60,000 in other people’s names, the salesman received $1,500 for his role in the identity theft. He now faces a maximum of 30 years in prison. (Original article)

Atlanta, GA — 8.10.17

Smash-and-Grab Becomes Smash-and-Search

A pair of criminals break into a car dealership in the early morning of 8.10.17, and proceed to linger more than an hour looking for what the owners believe are the keys to a particular car. While they managed to grab some cash and a handgun, it was a “bowl of keys” that took most of their attention. Employees have found keys randomly thrown around the dealership property, and no cars are currently missing.

While they didn’t steal a car, they cost the owner a lot in repairs and missed business, as he can’t run an emissions service while tidying up the damages. (Original article)

Brookville, IN — Reported 8.11.17

Bright Red Mustang Missing

Sometime during the night of 8.7.17 and 8.8.17, someone stole a 1989 bright red Ford Mustang GT from a local dealership’s lot. The owner discovered the vehicle missing when opening on 8.8.17.

The dealership obtained the car through a trade after the previous owner reconstructed the Mustang and passed away. The owner offers a $2,500 reward for anyone who helps identify and arrest the thief. The investigation is still ongoing. (Original article)

Pueblo, CO — Reported 8.11.17

Car Theft Report Not Filed for Two Days Due to Police Understaffing

A local dealership owner called the police the morning after a thief stole two trucks and a trailer from his lot. Despite multiple calls, the police didn’t file an official report until two days after the incident. Meanwhile, the owner could not file for coverage from his insurance.

According to one officer, the city’s police department is chronically short staffed, and so must accept calls by priority.

“When we talk about weapons involved or when people’s lives are at threat or being harmed in progress, that’s obviously the highest priority,” the officer told local reporters, adding that the police are just as frustrated by the lack of response due to resource cuts as the residents are. (Original article)

Mt. Juliet, TN — Reported 8.11.17

$4,200 in Tires Stolen from Dealership Lot Under Watchful CCTV

Around 3:30 AM on 8.7.17, dealership security systems record a trespasser parking between two Jeeps. He then stole seven tires — worth a total of $4,200 — before leaving the lot.

The security system also recorded the thief returning to the lot repeatedly to scope out his target before finally committing the crime. A $1,000 reward is offered for any information leading to the man’s arrest. (Original article)

Albuquerque, NM — Reported 8.11.17

One Man + Several Hours — Proactive Security = Thousands In Service Area Thefts

A single man broke into a dealership’s service garage on 8.10.17, stealing a total of four cars and thousands of dollars’ worth of tools over the course of the night. Three of the vehicles belonged to customers of the dealership. The thefts remained undiscovered until the next day.

The service manager told reporters that the incident is “pretty devastating” on the company’s morale, adding that “anger is an understatement.” (Original article)

Horn Lake, MS — 8.11.17

Gate Locks Not Enough to Stop 6 Car Theft

The owner of a local car dealership arrived to unlock his car lot, only to find a criminal had done it for him. According to the police report, the thief cut his front gate locks to steal six cars, all 1999–2009 Mercedes models.

Police worked with neighboring authorities to locate four of the six vehicles in a Memphis apartment complex, but two remain missing: a 1999 black Mercedes E43, and a 2009 white Mercedes 300. (Original article)

Sumpter, SC — Reported 8.13.17

“Undetermined Number of Tires” Stolen from SC Dealership

Police investigate the theft of “an undetermined number of tires” from a local car dealership. Eyewitnesses told authorities about a white, four-door Ford pickup truck leaving the property after the theft, though no one knows who drove the vehicle.

Anyone with information should please contact Crimestoppers at 1–888–274–6372 with the possibility of a $1,000 cash reward if the information leads to an arrest. (Original article)

Leesburg, FL — 8.14.17

Thieves Stole a Ride to Wolfy’s

An auto wholesaler reported a stolen vehicle to the police, having discovered its location at a Wolfy’s restaurant. Police later found the vehicle at a nearby shopping center parking lot. When the officer approached, one woman ran and was caught. The driver was also arrested.

One woman has been charged with theft of a vehicle and is held on $25,000 bond. (Original article)

West Palm Beach, FL — Reported 8.15.17

Scrap Metal Theft Turns… Belligerent?

An eyewitness called police after they saw a man steal an AC unit from a local business, then tried to sell it to a local scrap metal shop. When police entered the shop, the man fled in a BMW. He then drove straight at a responding officer’s vehicle, causing it to crash into another patrol car.

The BMW didn’t get away cleanly. It crashed into several stationary objects before its driver bailed. He was later apprehended riding a bicycle, and kicked an officer in the knee to cause “excruciating pain,” according to the police report.

The report lists no other injuries or fatalities. (Original article)

Fort Meyers, FL — Reported 8.15.17

Thieves Ignore Luxury Vehicles for the Tow Truck

Dealership CCTV recorded thieves ramming their stolen tow truck through a Mercedes SUV, parked across the exit lane on a car lot. Damages from this incident ran about $50,000. (A few days before, a vandal smashed the windshield of a $90,000 1997 Corvette.)

The owner believes the thieves behind this heist-and-smash were experienced criminals. He told reporters that the criminals were “[v]ery bold on the lot,” and that they didn’t seem to care about the “really obvious” surveillance cameras recording their every move.

A $5,000 reward is available to anyone providing information to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office leading to the guilty party’s arrest and conviction. (Original article)

San Antonio, TX — Reported 8.15.17

Tire Thief Gang Causes Up to $100K in Damages Overnight

A gang of thieves hauling away their stolen spoils of tires and rims in a “box-type truck” currently terrorizes area dealerships. Most recently, the bandits stole tires from 46 vehicles at a Kerrville dealership. The total loss — with the tires combined with damage to vehicles’ undercarriages — comes out to $75,000 to $100,000.

Currently, anyone with information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a $4,000 offered collaboratively by local dealerships. (Original article)

New Rochelle, NY — 8.15.17

Car Dealership’s F&I Office “Jams” Almost 300 Customers

The New York State Attorney General’s office announced that it discovered a New Rochelle car dealership’s F&I office had tacked on an extra $1,000 onto 300 customers’ bills of sale for an ironic (and fraudulent) “anti-theft” finance product.

The dealership’s owner says that the two business managers responsible for the scheme were fired in 2014 after he took ownership. Today, the dealership has agreed to a settlement to refund the customers, with those affected receiving an average refund of $1,040. (Original article)

Russellville, AR — 8.15.17

Scrap Metal Owner Charged with Murder for Shooting Would-Be Metal Thieves

A scrap metal business owner stands accused of capital murder for the 2016 deaths of two men. Authorities claim that the owner shot the men on the business property, where the pair had gone to steal car parts.

The trial is set for 10.23.17. We will continue to update you on this pending case. (Original article)

Los Angeles, CA — 8.16.17

Nude Car Thief Falls from Harbor Crane

(Sometimes, these headlines truly write themselves.)

LA Police spotted a stolen car — reported from a San Bernardino dealership after the man found an SUV with the keys still inside — to begin what would become a vast, hours-long pursuit winding through the labyrinth of the Port of Los Angeles.

Eventually, the driver of the stolen car jumped out of the still-moving vehicle to climb one of the many port cranes. He made his way to the end of the crane, providing a live-crime spectacle that dock workers watched with binoculars.

As helicopters hovered and police monitored from below, he stripped off his clothing on the end of the crane. The man had several close calls before the pursuit finally ended in a fatal fall. Authorities have released neither his name nor his mental condition. (Original article)

North Kansas City, MO — 8.17.17

Truck Thief Causes Gas Leak

Police currently pursue a truck thief who rammed through a dealership’s back lot gate and a gas line while making their way off the property. The Missouri Gas and Energy company repaired the leaking pipe by 5 AM, reopening the closed roadway. More permanent repairs should have been completed by the next day, restoring gas to the dealership. (Original article)

Originally published at Eyewitness Surveillance.