[Video] Arizona couple steals 6 cars during test drives
Like a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, an Arizona couple went on an extensive crime spree. But instead of automatic rifles and shotguns, their weapon of choice was used-car listings on social media.
In the surveillance video below, you can see the couple test-driving a Chevrolet Camaro, presumably in the seller’s driveway. They reverse, then accelerate away while the seller bangs on the door and tries to keep up. He must have realized something was off before the couple even set out on their test drive. When he called the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, detectives realized the Camaro theft was part of a much bigger crime spree.
Police now estimate the young couple stole at least six cars. All the cars were listed for sale privately, on a platform such as Facebook Marketplace. The couple showed up to look at the vehicles, asked to take a test drive and never came back.
How the Arizona couple’s car theft crime spree ended
Perhaps sellers were more trusting of the couple than they would have been of a lone buyer. Perhaps the couple had an easier time getting into the car without the owner coming along for a test drive because there were two of them and they were test-driving coupes with two doors. Whatever the actual strategy, this method worked for a shocking number of thefts.
The Sheriff’s Department has tracked the couple down, arrested them and charged them with multiple felonies. Officers are also investigating burglaries and at least one dine-and-dash.
Caleb Reyes is the manager at Mr. An’s Japanese Steakhouse and Seafood restaurant in Tucson. “They looked like they were up to no good… you know, the zipped-up hoodie all the way. It was just a telltale sign of like, ‘okay, they’re about to—they’re about to do something here.’” And sure enough, the couple made a break for the door and escaped without paying for their meal.
You can see the security camera footage of one theft in the news coverage embedded below. Or you can learn how to protect yourself from Facebook Marketplace scams.