RIPON, CA - A Ripon police officer stopped a car thief Tuesday morning before the victim ever knew their vehicle had been stolen.
According to Sgt. Steve Merchant of the Ripon Police Department, officer Mike Perry was patrolling a Loves truck stop around 6:53 a.m. when he noticed a white Honda Accord exiting the La Quinta Inn next door. The Honda suddenly locked up its brakes then sped away, hitting a curb on Colony Rd., Merchant said.
Perry immediately pulled the driver over.
During Perry's investigation of the Honda driver, Ripon dispatch received a call of stolen white Honda stolen from the very same La Quinta Inn, said Merchant.
The Honda owner had apparently left the vehicle running to warm up when the thief jumped in and stole the car.
The thief's actions were verified and he was identified a Ronald Allen Jacobs, 27, of Modesto, Merchant said. Jacobs then confessed to stealing the car.
Jacobs was booked into the San Joaquin Jail on felony auto theft and possession of stolen property.
The original owner of the Honda recovered her vehicle at the scene.
Merchant said the department would like to remind citizens to please refrain from leaving their vehicles running while unattended.
News10/KXTV