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Car thief's paint job fails spectacularly
25 Jul
Summary
- Suspect painted over car's badging in an attempt to disguise it.
- Tulsa police used license plate readers to track the stolen vehicle.
- The suspect claimed he stole the car to help him find employment.
In a swift operation, Tulsa police apprehended Jason Southard, 30, within a short timeframe after he stole a purple Nissan Rogue from a Home Depot on July 22. The vehicle's owner returned to find it missing after approximately 25 minutes. Southard's attempt to disguise the stolen SUV proved futile as he pried off the Nissan emblem and spray-painted over the trunk lettering. This amateur alteration did little to deter authorities.
The Tulsa PD's Real Time Information Center utilized a network of Automated License Plate Readers to quickly establish a trail for the stolen vehicle. Officers were dispatched and located the Nissan as it traveled north. The driver, Southard, promptly pulled into a bank parking lot when signaled, leading to his arrest without further incident.
When questioned, Southard reportedly explained that he stole the car believing it would assist him in finding employment. Despite this explanation, he faces charges including Larceny of an Automobile, Third-Degree Burglary, and Malicious Injury to Property and was booked into the Tulsa County Jail.
