Windsor police are again urging drivers not to leave their vehicles running after one motorist learned the lesson the hard way.
Officers were called around 8:45 a.m. Wednesday to a location on McDougall Street near Shepherd Street West for a report of a motor vehicle theft that had just taken place in a parking lot. The investigation revealed that a grey 2008 Pontiac had been stolen after the driver left it unattended and running with the keys still in it. A description of a male suspect was put together.
Less than two hours later, police were told that vehicle was seen being driven on Howard Avenue near Devonshire Mall. Video surveillance in the area helped police identify a suspect.
Shortly after 10 p.m., a Windsor patrol officer spotted a vehicle that matched the description of the stolen one, parking in an unusual manner on Tecumseh Road East near Howard. The driver, who matched the suspect description, was seen entering a business, then leaving it by forcing open a back door. A suspect was arrested in the area of Giles Boulevard East and Marion Avenue.
The 46-year-old man is charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and breach of recognizance. These charges have yet to be proven in court.