Thieves Steal SUVs Warming Up During Snowfall: Annapolis Police

ANNAPOLIS, MD — An SUV owner shoveling snow Sunday saw a thief drive away in his vehicle as it warmed up, while a companion watched by Annapolis Police is charged with stealing another SUV, according to a police report. The suspects were first spotted in the 1300 block of Tyler Avenue just after noon, when a man reported his dark blue 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, MD reg. 6BG2082, was unlocked with the engine running and the key in the ignition.

The Tahoe owner told officers he was cleaning off his vehicle and shoveling snow when he noticed two men lingering and appearing to watch him from a distance. When the victim walked away from the SUV, he saw one of the men run up to the vehicle, get inside and drive away. Officers located the other man, identified as Dustin Booze, 29, of Millersville, but no criminal charges were filed against Booze.

Authorities believed Booze might try to steal a vehicle, so a police officer monitored his activity from afar in an unmarked vehicle. At first Booze watched activity at a gas station and then he walked into an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Ashton Court. Booze went behind a Dumpster and then ran to a GMC Jimmy which had been left unlocked with the engine running while the key was in the ignition, and drove off.

Patrol vehicles tried to stop the stolen GMC on Forest Drive, but Annapolis Police say Booze did not stop for officers. On Interstate 97 northbound approaching the Maryland Route 32 split the GMC experienced mechanical problems and a cloud of smoke came from the SUV. Booze pulled off the highway and was arrested.

Booze was charged with motor vehicle theft, theft and two other criminal charges. He is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center on $3,500 bond.

Photo via Annapolis Police