MAPLEWOOD, Mo. — Maplewood police officers are on the hunt for a stolen black Kia after a bold crook hopped in and drove off while the owner was pumping gas. It happened Wednesday evening at the Sam’s Club gas station on Hanley Rd.
Police said it's the sign of the times, and a sign that we have to do more to protect our hard earned possessions — because crooks are ready to strike when you least expect it.
Crystal clear video of the criminal in the act is taking everyone by surprise.
"Oh my,” Vicky Daniels said.
"He doesn't even realize it,” Jacob Hawkins said of the victim.
The man was fueling up when a black BMW SUV pulls next to his car. Within seconds, someone hops out, jumps into the victim’s four-door Kia Stringer and takes off. He was left stunned as he watches his own cars roll away at the hands of a thief.
It was around 5PM.
"Criminals are getting more brazen. Broad daylight,” said Corporal Dustin Hoskins.
He's using this unfortunate incident as a teachable moment for all drivers.
"When I pump gas, I kind of {position} my body towards the car where I can see kind of what's going around me because things happen in a split second…Pay attention to your surroundings…Take your key fobs out of your car. Lock your
car doors. If you have a purse, take that out,” he suggested.
As police investigate, they now have the video from a nearby car's dash cam to help them crack the case.
Hoskins says wherever that car is now, even more eyes are on the lookout.
"If you’re a criminal and you decide to come into one of these well populated areas, 9 times out of 10, you’re on camera…We collaborate with other departments. Information sharing is big…It could be a crime all the way across the county and our departments are sharing information with detectives that way, south, north, everywhere,” Hoskins said.
"I think it's crazy that people are out here doing that,” Hawkins said.
"You can't get gas, you can't go anywhere anymore,” Daniels added.
A witness says the car owner didn't hear a thing until he heard his car speed off. Anyone with info about this crime can call the Maplewood Police Department at (314)-646-3617.