Loveland Police Arrest Suspect In Series Of Car Thefts
LOVELAND, Colo. (CBS4)- Police in Loveland arrested a suspect in connection with a series of car thefts in three counties in Northern Colorado.
Police were called to the 1800 block of Carlisle Drive in Loveland on Tuesday morning on reports of a stolen car. That vehicle had been left running unattended.
That car theft eventually led to a series of motor vehicle thefts in Boulder, Weld and Larimer Counties that are currently being investigated. All those vehicles had been running and left unattended.
On Wednesday morning the Colorado State Patrol was dispatched to a three-vehicle accident on southbound Interstate 25 and the driver of one of those vehicles ran from the state trooper.
That vehicle was later identified as having been stolen from Co's BMW Center, a car dealership in Loveland. The man was captured after a short pursuit.
"There was some fire equipment in the back so apparently, what I heard, is this guy stole a fire truck, traded it for this car, stole this car then stole our car. Just for the brief moment that the car was out there it was gone," said Co's BMW spokesman Brian Bowden.
That man has been identified as Eugene Michael Hetrick, 38, from Loveland. He's being held in the Larimer County Jail for aggravated motor vehicle theft and violation of bail bond conditions.
"For the dealership it was the wrong place at the wrong time but for him it was the right place at the right time to have another vehicle to drive," said Loveland Police Sgt. Justin Chase. "Unfortunately it brings to light how easy it is. You may just go inside for a second and your vehicle's stolen."
Additional Information from the Loveland Police Department:
The Loveland Police Department would like to warn the citizens of Loveland about the dangers of leaving your vehicle unattended with the motor running. When people do this, they increase the chances that they may be the victim of motor vehicle theft. Although experience has taught us that thefts of unattended and running motor vehicles occurs with much greater frequency in the winter months and early morning hours, these types of thefts can happen at any time of the year and any time of the day.
Several vehicles have been stolen while people warm them up. Vehicles have also been stolen when the drivers have left them running while they go into a convenience store or business. There have been cases where parents have left their children in the vehicle unattended and the vehicle was then stolen.
It is unlawful to leave your vehicle unattended with the motor running.
Here are some Auto Theft Prevention Tips:
- Never leave your car running unattended.
- Always lock your car.
- Never leave any keys in the car, even a spare set.
- Never leave valuables in plain sight.
- Always park in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
- Get windows, doors and fenders etched with the VIN.
- Consider installing a tracking and recovery device.
- Check out lockdownyourcar.org for more prevention tips.
