Bad Decisions Abound As Driver Leaves Unlocked Car Running With Rifle In Back Seat

A reminder that while it is tempting to leave your unlocked vehicle running while you dash into the store for “just a snack” that is a bad decision.

Also leaving your rifle in plain view in the back seat, another bad decision.

Stealing a running vehicle with a rifle in the back seat when you are a convicted felon is a bad decision.

Running from the police when they try to stop you is a bad decision.

Running over spike strips that blow out tires is a bad decision.

Trying to run away on foot and not stop for the cops and K-9 chasing you is a bad decision.

Here’s the story from Everett Police Spokesman Aaron Snell on an event with lots of bad decisions from earlier this week.

Just after 6:30 a.m. on December 29th, officers were dispatched to the report of a vehicle theft that just occurred at a gas station in the 2600 block of Broadway Ave. The victim told arriving officers he parked his Toyota Echo and went inside to buy snacks. The vehicle was left running, with keys in the ignition, and doors unlocked. When the victim exited the store – the Echo was gone. The victim stated his unloaded rifle was in the backseat of the vehicle. Ironically, the victim also left his iPad in the Echo and he helped officers track its location.

The Echo travelled northbound on I-5 and exited in Marysville where Marysville Police attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed but, after a pursuit that included Marysville Police, Washington State Patrol, and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, the Echo was stopped when spike strips were successfully deployed. The driver was captured after a short foot chase.

In the vehicle, officers clearly saw the rifle in the backseat and noted the 31 year-old driver possessed the type of keys often used in vehicle thefts. Video surveillance from the business confirmed the driver stole the car and police records indicated he was a convicted felon with an outstanding felony warrant.

The driver was arrested and booked into jail on probable cause for theft of a motor vehicle, theft of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, attempting to elude, possessing vehicle theft tools and his outstanding warrant. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the theft, pursuit, or foot chase.

Everett Police recognizes it is winter and cold, but reminds the community that running vehicles are easy targets.