Garbage-Strewn Caravan Turns Out To Be Stolen

OAK LAWN, IL — A Hinsdale man was arrested when he was pulled over for driving a garbage-strewn car that had been reported stolen, Oak Lawn police said. Moayad Yahia Hilal, 61, was charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle, unlawful display of a sticker, and driving on a suspended license.

Around 9:15 p.m. Feb. 24, an Oak Lawn police officer patrolling the area near 98th Street and Cicero Avenue when he ran the plates on a 2003 Dodge Caravan. The license plate was registered to a Honda. The officer stopped the car at a gas station. Police said the driver, identified as Hilal, claimed he had purchased the Caravan earlier in the day. Hilal allegedly admitted to switching the plates, thinking it was okay until he could transfer them over.

Hilil handed over his driver’s license and insurance card, which police said did not have his name on it. The vehicle was strewn with garbage and dirty clothes. Hilil said it was his from earlier in the day, reports said.

Police said the Caravan which came back as reported stolen out of Burbank. Hilil’s license had also been suspended, reports said. He was taken into custody. Burbank police verified that the car had been reported stolen, but they could not reach the registered owner.

Hilil is due in court March 18 in Bridgeview.