A Lincoln man has been arrested for stealing two cars in about a ten hour period. LPD Public Information Manager Erika Thomas says the first vehicle was taken from a client at Makovika Physical Therapy near 48th and Leighton at 2:45 Wednesday afternoon.
“The victim told police he parked his red 1998 Ford Escort on the west side of the business and put his key under the floor mat with the windows open, Thomas says. “When he came back outside an hour later, the vehicle was missing.”
Thomas says while he was trying to find it, 25-year-old Isaac Chirinos arrived driving the car. He then got out and began walking away. “Police contacted Chirinos at a home less than a half-mile away. He was arrested and booked into the Lancaster County Jail before being released around 11:30 p.m.”
Thomas says about 75 minutes later, officers were called to the Stay Inn at 20th and W. ‘O’ Street for a stolen vehicle report. She says a man told officers his wife had taken him to work and when she returned, their red 2004 Chevy Impala was missing.
Thomas says just after 2 a.m., the victim called police saying his vehicle had arrived at his place of business more than five miles away and was being driven by Chirinos. “When confronted, Chirinos threw the keys on the ground near the front door before walking away.
Police contacted Chirinos near 33rd and Cornhusker Highway and was taken to the Lancaster County Jail again and booked for theft by receiving.