Centralia Police are investigating two vehicle thefts from different gas stations on Friday night. One person was arrested following a crash and pursuit of the driver of one of the vehicles.
Lieutenant Steve Whritenour recommends not leaving your vehicle running when you get out since it could be an easy target to theft.
The first theft occurred from the Walmart Gas Station at 6:24 Friday evening. The vehicle was seen leaving the gas station westbound on McCord. A few minutes later, police received a 911 call about a reckless driver heading eastbound on U.S. 50 near Shattuc Road with the same vehicle description. Both Sandoval Police and Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies were notified. A few minutes later, the vehicle crash on the south side of U.S. 50 on the Westside of Sandoval.
The lone occupant of the vehicle fled on foot, but was apprehended a short distance away. The 15-year-old male One Hope United Resident was taken to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. He was later transferred to the Clinton County Jail to await court action.
About an hour earlier, a vehicle was reported stolen from the Casey’s east store. It was later found parked with no one around at the Circle K store on East McCord. Police are still investigating who may be responsible.
