DNA On Cigarette Matches Suspect In Stolen Benz: Warrant

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — A warrant was issued for a Chicago man who police said was tied to the theft of a Mercedes-Benz in Palos Heights by his DNA. Tristen Arnold, 22, is wanted for a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespassing to a motor vehicle.

In the early morning hours of Aug. 1, 2019, a Mercedes-Benz was reported stolen in the 12600 block of South 74th Avenue. The car later turned up in the Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. The detective told the judge officers found a cigarette butt in the car’s ashtray. When learning that the owner of the Benz didn’t smoke, the cigarette butt was set to Illinois State Police Crime Lab for DNA testing. The results came back as a match for Arnold, who had previously served an 18-month sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections for defrauding a drug screen in 2018, the prosecutor added.

The detective said they’ve gone to all of Arnold’s past addresses, but they haven’t been able to find him. Police also received a call from a man who said he was Arnold’s attorney, but no longer represents Arnold.

The judge issued an arrest warrant carrying a $30,000 bond.