Police: Jacksonville man arrested after stealing patrol car, reporting it stolen

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The man who reported seeing a patrol car stolen was charged in connection with the theft.

An officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office left the patrol car secured during a property check Tuesday night at King Food Store on Main Street. When the officer returned to the patrol car, it wasn't there.

Sip and stroll while you shop: Lucky's Market opens in Neptune Beach

The suspect, Michael Planes, called police and said he witnessed the patrol car being stolen outside an apartment, JSO said.

Officers located the car about 40 minutes later in the 11000 block of Palm Lake Drive.

JSO said they found keys that didn't belong to the officer on the floorboard. The house key on the key ring worked the dead bolt lock on the suspect's door.

Photos: Tim McGraw's mom pays off layaway orders at Macclenny Walmart

The officer said his department-issued rifle, loaded magazines, police jacket and more were reported missing from the car.

The items reported stolen from the patrol car were found in the suspect's apartment.

Planes admitted to police to stealing the patrol car and the equipment, JSO said. He is charged with grand theft from law enforcement and theft of a motor vehicle.

Action News Jax is following the story. Watch Action News Jax and follow us on Twitter @ActionNewsJax for the latest. 

Download the Action News Jax News app and First Alert Weather app

Cox Media Group