Man Charged With Stealing His Car From Police Impound
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A South Side man was arrested over the weekend, after breaking into a police impound, and driving off in his car, which had been seized after a previous traffic stop.
Two police officers stopped 23-year-old Eric Smith on Thursday, for allegedly driving even though his license had been revoked. His 1996 Chevy Impala was impounded, and parked behind the South Chicago District police station, at 2255 E. 103rd St.
Prosecutors said, that same evening, Smith broke into the impound, going past a sign that said "Police Personnel Only," and drove off with his car.
Later, the same two officers who pulled him over the first time spotted him driving the same car again. He was arrested, and charged with felony theft, and several misdemeanors: violating bail bond, driving on a revoked license, criminal trespass and driving an uninsured vehicle. He also received traffic citations for driving the wrong way on a one-way street, and ignoring a red light.
He was being held on $10,000 bail.