Windsor police have arrested a man suspected of stealing a vehicle that had been left with its engine running in a driveway on Hall Avenue.
The crime was reported on Wednesday around 1:30 a.m. in the 500 block of Hall Avenue.
According to the complainant, the engine was started to warm up the vehicle while it was unattended.
Although the keys were in the ignition, the doors were locked.
Nevertheless, a thief got inside the vehicle and drove off with it.
Around 4:15 a.m., a patrolling Windsor police officer noticed a vehicle matching the description in the area of Wyandotte Street East and Parent Avenue.
Roads were snowy at the time. Police said the stolen vehicle was being driven in an “unreasonable and dangerous” manner, given the conditions.
Officers were able to follow the tire marks in the snow to the 3600 block of Riverside Drive East.
The man tried to drive off again, but the vehicle was quickly contained.
Christopher Dauphin, 28, of Windsor, is charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property (value under $5,000), mischief (value under $5,000), possession of break-in tools, and dangerous driving.
Windsor police remind the public of the importance of never leaving a vehicle unattended with its engine running or its key in the ignition.
“Warming up your vehicles in these cold temperatures needs to be done properly and safely,” police advised. “A stolen vehicle poses a danger to the entire community.”
Anyone with information about property crimes can call police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4350.
Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.