TWO IMBECILES: THE DRIVER WHO LEFT HIS CAR WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING AND THE THIEF WHO STOLE IT

Indiana police arrest man driving stolen car with fake license plate drawn in crayon on a paper grocery bag

By Kristin Lam

USA Today
December 15, 2019

A stranded driver was arrested last week after Indiana police saw his license plate was handwritten in crayon on a paper grocery bag.

Indiana State Troopers almost called a tow truck for Joshua Anthony Lewis-Brown, 20, before identifying him as a suspected car thief on Friday.

By checking the Toyota Corolla's vehicle identification number, the troopers determined the car's owner had reported it stolen from State College, Pennsylvania, about 400 miles away. The owner had left the car running and unattended while he quickly shopped at a local grocery store, the Indiana State Troopers said in a statement. The car, which he hoped to keep warm, was missing when he returned Thursday.

Instead of helping Brown with the flat tire, troopers took him into custody for a felony charge of possessing stolen property. Brown, of Rochester, New York, also faces a misdemeanor for driving without a license in any state. He is currently on probation for grand larceny.

Brown is being held in Steuben County Jail and will face extradition back to Pennsylvania pending local charges, Indiana State Troopers said.

"In light of this particular circumstance, the Indiana State Police would remind all motorists that leaving your vehicle unattended with the engine running and doors unlocked, is never a good idea," Sgt. Brian Walker said in a statement.