Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers tracked down a stolen vehicle earlier this month after finding it parked at a Tonopah rest area, where they say the driver admitted he had been drinking and didn’t have a license.
Troopers located the vehicle Dec. 16 at the Burnt Well Rest Area along Interstate 10. It had been reported stolen earlier that day in Casa Grande. According to DPS, the driver was known to the vehicle’s owner and had taken it from the victim’s father while the owner was out of state.
During an interview, the driver told troopers he did not have a driver’s license and had been drinking from an open container while behind the wheel. He said he became sleepy after “a couple swigs” and pulled into the rest area to take a nap.
Troopers took him into custody and booked him on multiple charges, including auto theft, driving without a license, possession of an open container in a vehicle and driving under the influence. The victim, who was in California at the time, spoke with troopers and thanked them for locating the vehicle so quickly, DPS said.
DPS reminded drivers that stealing a vehicle and driving under the influence are crimes and urged people to use safe alternatives to get home.
