Bait car thief looks to higher power

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque police say a man who stole a bait car turned to a higher power while behind the wheel.

Dario Olivas, 22 was still arrested Wednesday night after police say he stole a bait car planted in an Albuquerque hotel parking lot.

"He was a good criminal," said Lt. Scott Lopez with the Albuquerque Police Department Property Crimes Unit.  "He was wearing gloves.  He was able to tamper with the ignition.  Within 30 to 45 seconds he had the truck stolen."

A camera hidden inside recorded the theft and the takedown.

It also recorded Olivas, once he gets behind the wheel, making the sign of the cross multiple times.

"I'm not sure if he was asking for forgiveness or praying for protection from us," Lopez said.

Olivas made his way onto Interstate 25 headed south.  There officers tried to pull him over, but he was not ready to give up and sped off instead.

Lopez said at that point officers fell back letting air support take over keeping an eye on Olivas from above.

It wasn't long before officers were able to catch up to Olivas again and remotely kill the engine.

"The individual decided to go down an embankment off the freeway, into the mesa. He actually jumped out of the truck while it was still moving and fled on foot," said Lopez.

He did not get far though.  Officers were able to track him down and arrest him about a mile from where he ditched the truck.

According to his online booking record, Olivas is now facing charges of auto theft as well as aggravated fleeing.

APD said he was not hurt during the incident.

The truck suffered minor dings, but Lopez said it is already back out on the streets.