Suspect takes car for test drive, doesn’t return | Crime

A test drive turned into a joyride after a man decided to steal a vehicle from a local auto dealership.

According to a Lexington County Sheriff’s Department incident report, officers responded to a vehicle theft at Left Lane Autos located on Charleston Highway on Thursday.

Upon arrival, officer met the manager who stated a man came in the business around 2:30 p.m. and said he wanted to test drive a 2003 Ford Mustang.

Deputies say the manager allowed the man to test drive the vehicle.

The manager informed deputies that the man left his black Mitsubishi Eclipse parked at the dealership and was  supposed to be gone for 25 minutes.

According to the report, the manager contacted the man several times, as 25 minutes turned into an hour and a half. The manager told deputies every time the suspect answered the phone he advised her he was on his way back.

Around 3:55 p.m., the manager observed an older white male wearing a red t-shirt jump into the suspect’s car parked at the dealership, and flee the scene, according to sheriff’s deputies.

The manager advised officers the suspect then stopped taking her phone calls.

Deputies describe the suspect as a 34-year-old white male, 5’11, 170lbs., with brown hair and hazel eyes.

If you know anything about this crime, you are urged to contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.