Opportunistic Thief Steals SUV While Owner Inflates Tire

by Kevin Deutsch September 16, 2024

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Authorities said a man was pumping air into the tire of his SUV in North Lauderdale when a thief jumped into the driver’s seat and stole the vehicle.

The victim was inflating the right rear tire on his black 2020 Chevy Equinox around 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, when an unidentified man in a hoodie walked over and asked if he was putting air into his tire, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

“Yes,” the SUV owner said, monitoring the air pressure.

Once he finished inflating the tire, the victim said he heard a vehicle door open and close. When he looked up, authorities said the man he’d just been speaking with was driving off in his Equinox.

BSO’s North Lauderdale district Deputies responded to the auto theft in a condominium community at 8000 Hampton Boulevard.

Investigators obtained surveillance video that shows the victim and thief interacting before the thief drives away. The victim is seen in the footage giving chase as the culprit drives out of the community during a rainstorm.

The thief was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with red letters and red and black shorts at the time, according to BSO.

Anyone who recognizes the thief or has information about the crime is asked to call BSO North Lauderdale District Detective Lisa Sokol at 954-720-226 or submit a tip through the SaferWatch app.

Tipsters who want to remain anonymous can call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), submit a tip online at browardcrimestoppers.org, or dial **TIPS (8477) from any cellphone in the U.S.

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Author Profile

Kevin Deutsch

Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning journalist and author of two nonfiction books. He covers general assignment news and Jewish community issues for Talk Media. He has also worked as a staff writer at The Miami Times, the Rio Grande SUN, the New York Daily News, Newsday, The Miami Herald, The Palm Beach Post, The Riverdale Press, and Bronx Justice News.