A man was taken into police custody Monday after employees at a Jacksonville used car dealership say he attempted to steal a truck from their lot.
Action News Jax was there as the man was taken in following an hours-long search.
READ: St. Johns County facing lawsuit over gay Pride rights
It was a dramatic scene at Tillman Auto on Beach Boulevard, near Southside Boulevard, on Monday morning. The owner said the suspect that came in and stole keys on Friday night returned and stole a white Ford F-150 and tried to escape by driving through a fence.
”One of our other employees got here early and she said, ‘I don’t think I am alone. I said, ‘Oh my God! Let me get up, I’m going to go check on her,’” employee Hunter Tillman said.
Hunter Tillman called police before he even arrived to work Monday morning.
Child Tax Credit: Could you end up having to repay some of it?
Tillman Auto owner Steve Tillman said the search involved 10 to 12 police cars and a helicopter.
When Steve Tillman arrived, he saw what Hunter Tillman was afraid of —– someone had been there and attempted to steal a white Ford F-150.”This guy had rammed the gate and you can see the truck right there,” Hunter Tillman said.
They said the suspect is a former customer they had sold over a dozen cars to in the last six months.
”That was as far as it got. He jumped out and ran,” Steve Tillman said.
They believe he was the same man that stole keys from them Friday night.
READ: Orange Crush Festival Founder: Looks like we found a really great home
”Luckily JSO really got out here quick. Had a bunch of officers, put up a copter, and found him,” Hunter Tillman said.
After the search, those who work at the dealership say they just want to get back to work.
“Not too bad. We’re still here we’re still open. No big deal,” Hunter Tillman said.
Police were able to take the suspect into custody after finding him just down the road.
Action News Jax has requested the police report to learn the identity of the suspect.
READ: Local flight instructor killed in plane crash was a Navy veteran; employer defends safety record
©2021 Cox Media Group
