A suspect in a grand theft auto case was arrested in Upland after attempting to return to the crime scene in the very car he had just stolen, police reported on Friday.
The incident began on Wednesday night, when Upland Police were speaking with the victim at the intersection of 8th Street and Sinclair Avenue. The suspect, who had stolen the victim’s car, unexpectedly reappeared on the scene.
According to the Upland Police Department, the suspect tried to sneak down the street in the stolen vehicle with his headlights off, seemingly hoping to retrieve his backpack. However, his plans were foiled when he found the backpack in the hands of a police officer who had been monitoring the area.
The officers had already discovered the backpack near the victim’s car, and it contained an ID that linked the suspect to the crime. A background check revealed that the suspect not only had a history of grand theft auto charges but was also on felony probation for a previous GTA conviction.
“Clearly, this individual continues to make poor decisions,” the police department remarked in a statement.
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When confronted by officers, the suspect fled the scene in the stolen car, sparking a short police chase. However, his escape was short-lived as he quickly abandoned the vehicle and ran toward a nearby apartment complex. In his haste, the suspect left the stolen Camry in drive, causing it to roll across the street and crash into a parked car.
Police quickly set up a perimeter around the area and deployed a drone to aid in the search. Two K9 units were also called to assist in locating the suspect. After being warned that the dogs were closing in on him, the suspect, no doubt intimidated by the situation, surrendered.
“The suspect wisely chose to give up after hearing the barking of two K9s from opposite sides of the fence,” the department said humorously.
Authorities did not immediately release the suspect’s identity. He was taken into custody on multiple felony charges. In a somewhat ironic twist, the suspect did manage to get his backpack back — albeit along with a slew of legal troubles.
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