Stolen Car Recovered In Stafford After Owner Left Keys Inside: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — Stafford County deputies recovered a stolen car during a traffic stop on Tuesday, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office said. Authorities said the car was stolen on Monday afternoon when the owner left their keys in the car.

A man, 20-year-old Rashad Morey, was arrested in connection with the theft. He is charged with grand larceny, petit larceny, and credit card theft. He was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,500 bond.

If convicted of all charges, Morey could face up to 41 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

Investigators said Morey stole the car, a 2002 Honda Civic, between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday. Authorities noted that the car was parked at the Marriott Courtyard on Corporate Drive and the keys were left inside.

On Tuesday morning, deputies noticed the stolen car driving northbound on Richmond Highway. One deputy tried to stop the stolen car, but the driver refused.

"The suspect slowed as he approached South Campus Boulevard and pulled into the turn lane, but continued to inch forward and did not put the vehicle into park," the Stafford County Sheriff's Office said in a report.

Another deputy on the scene helped stop the stolen car. Authorities said the second deputy "approached from the southbound side and used his push bumper to cuddle up against the front of the stolen car, eliminating any escape route."

Deputies then took the driver, who they identified as Morey, into custody. The stolen car was not damaged; it was returned to its owner.

"As a reminder, do not leave your keys or other valuables in your vehicle," the sheriff's office said.