TERRELL, Texas — A Mesquite man was arrested following a vehicle theft in Terrell and foot pursuit overnight.
TERRELL, Texas — A Mesquite man was arrested following a vehicle theft in Terrell and foot pursuit overnight.
At approximately 11:25 p.m., on Thursday, Terrell Police Department Captain A.D. Sansom says officers responded to the 200 block of Lovers Lane in reference to a motor vehicle theft which had just occurred.
The victim told police she routinely left an extra set of keys in the center console of her vehicle and investigators believe the vehicle was unlocked at the time of the theft.
The victim saw lights shining through her window, looked outside to see her car’s headlights on, and went outside to investigate when she observed the vehicle leaving the parking lot towards Lovers Lane, according to Sansom.
“Officers believe that the vehicle was left unlocked and that the suspect was pulling car door handles in the area looking for vehicles to burglarize,” stated Sansom. “Upon entering the victim’s vehicle, the suspect found the keys and stole the vehicle.”
Shortly after the vehicle was reported stolen, the Texas Department of Public Safety located the vehicle and suspect stuck in the ditch in the 1800 block of State Highway (SH) 205 in Terrell.
“The suspect ran on foot from police and was captured and charged with unauthorized use motor vehicle and evading arrest detention,” stated Sansom.
The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Damontrel Walker of Mesquite, Texas.
“There has been an alarming increase in the number of vehicle burglaries resulting from unlocked vehicle doors,” he said. “Thieves are always looking for opportunities to steal property and walking through the area at night pulling vehicle door handles often gives them that opportunity to take property.”
“Always remember HIDE, LOCK, and TAKE,” stated Sansom. “I you can't take it with you hide it so that it cannot be seen by passersby. Lock your vehicle; don’t leave valuables in your car. Take your property with you.”
