I just got this press release e-mailed to me from the City of Frisco, TX (my home town). I have not edited a single word of the release, you’re seeing it as I got it.
This has to be the funniest thing I’ve ever seen a city put out. I love the commentary at the very end of the announcement:
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The following information is distributed from the City of Frisco’s News and Information service.
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FRISCO POLICE OFFICER CHASES AFTER HIS OWN STOLEN TRUCK(October 28, 2008)On Saturday, October 25, 2008, at approximately 10:44 p.m., Frisco Police Officer Jerry Varner was directing traffic at the intersection of Main Street and Coleman Street for Edgefest II when he observed a maroon short bed Chevrolet pickup truck approaching the intersection. Officer Varner thought the truck resembled his own truck and as the vehicle came closer to him, he realized it was his truck. The truck was being driven by a male subject that Varner did not give permission to take the truck.
Varner, who was in uniform and wearing a reflective police traffic vest, motioned and ordered the driver to get out of his truck. The driver placed the truck in reverse and attempted to flee the area, nearly striking several other vehicles. Officer Varner, a long distance runner, took off after the suspect on foot. As he was chasing his own truck, Varner realized he was not alone. A Valet parking attendant, working close by, had joined him in the pursuit. As marked and unmarked police units converged on the suspect, he exited the truck and attempted to flee on foot. Officers were able to capture the thief shortly after he ran.
Officer Varner’s truck had been parked within 100 yards of where he was directing traffic when the truck was taken, without consent.
The thief with the worst luck you ever saw is identified as, James Matthew Herring, white male, 22, of Grand Saline, TX. He is charged with Theft 1500/20k and Evading Arrest w/Vehicle. He was later transferred to the Collin County Jail. Officer Varner’s truck was not damaged during the commission of this offense and he is happy to have it back.
My question is, why was the valet parking guy chasing the truck? And did the cop leave his keys in it or what? I can’t think of any other way it could have been taken without damaging it.
I was in teen academy with him when he told us the story! The reason they guy got in was because that year of truck only had 15 different sets of keys made for it and the guy had 4. One opened the doors and the other started the engine! He said that he sold the truck about 4 months ago, it was an amazing story.
Hysterical! That’s certainly a day this cop won’t soon forget.
you really — but REALLY — cannot make this stuff up! my dad is a retired cop, and i’m sending this link to him. he’s gonna love it.
boy, that car thief truly had a bad day.