Authorities in Arizona said a 23-year-old man, who stole a truck that was carrying over $1 million worth of Chevrolet Corvettes, claimed he committed the car theft because he needed a ride home after he was released from prison.
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the suspect, identified as Isaiah Walker, gained control of the truck after pushing the driver out of the cab. The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office in a statement said the victim encountered Walker at the Willcox Loves Truck Stop on February 15.
Walker is said to have had a conversation with the victim about his truckload and eventually “lulled him into a sense of security.” The suspect subsequently grabbed the driver and threw him from the cab when the victim was getting inside his truck.
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The suspect then drove away after entering the truck and locking the door. “The stolen vehicle, a car hauling semi, was transporting 10 Chevrolet C8 Corvettes with an estimated value above $1,250,000 and left the area traveling North on Fort Grant Road,” the statement said.
The truck was ultimately located by a Cochise County Sheriff’s deputy who attempted to pull the suspect over. Walker, however, did not comply, the statement said, adding that the “stolen vehicle began driving recklessly which caused vehicles to leave the roadway.”
“As the stolen vehicle approached North Fort Grant Road and County Line Road, the vehicle turned onto County Line Road and stopped.”
Walker was ultimately arrested and interviewed at the scene. And though the suspect admitted to stealing the truck, he claimed the high-end sports cars were not his intended target. He said he needed to get home as he had just been released from prison, per the statement.
“I am extremely proud of the officer and deputy involved in this investigation. The deputy and officer showed great restraint and patience in bringing a serious crime to a peaceful resolution, all while keeping the property of others from being damaged,” Chief Hadfield said.
“The stolen vehicle was safely recovered without damage and was released to the driver so he could continue his delivery. Again, I thank the officer and deputy who were involved in this investigation for keeping our citizens safe.”
Walker, who was booked into the Cochise County Jail, faces a slew of charges including robbery, 11 counts of theft of means of transportation, and felony theft.
