LAPD Apprehend Car Thief Who Claimed that Stolen Camry’s Keys Were “Given to Him”
- February 14, 2012
- recovery stories
After the owners of a 2010 Toyota Camry reported their vehicle stolen to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Newton Division, officers entered the vehicle information into the state and federal crime computers. This routine police action automatically activated the LoJack transponder concealed in the Toyota.
Six minutes later, LAPD 77th Street Division officers picked up the LoJack signal from the stolen Camry. The officers requested assistance from Air- 18 in locating the vehicle; Air-18 quickly tracked the Toyota to 42nd Street and Hobart Boulevard, where they observed the parked vehicle. As they were observe the vehicle when the vehicle was driven away by one male suspect. When requested back-up units arrived, the ground officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop and took the suspect into custody.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect had been at court when an unknown female approached him, told him that she had found the keys, and asked if he wanted them. The suspect then went out into the street and began pressing the “unlock” button on remote until he found the corresponding vehicle. The suspect was arrested for Driving without Owner’s Consent. LAPD 77th Street Detectives are conducting the follow-up investigation.