Kanehl-Courtesy CPD
COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Police Department (CPD) arrested a local man for attempting to steal a truck while the owner was warming it up on December 13.
Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Hege Avenue about an auto theft at around 7:40 p.m. When they arrived, they found Robert Kanehl, 24 of Columbus, being restrained by another man.
CPD learned that the resident had gone outside to start his pickup truck to allow it to warm up. While he was clearing the snow from the pickup, he saw Kanehl walk by, and the two exchanged hellos. A few minutes later, the truck owner was shoveling snow nearby when Kanehl allegedly got into the pickup and took off.
However, the suspect drove the truck into a nearby ditch, and it became stuck. The owner was able to get the truck door open, remove Kanehl, and restrain him until officers arrived. The would-be thief was arrested for the preliminary charge of theft of a motor vehicle, a level 6 felony. He remains in the Bartholomew County Jail.
Columbus Police warn that there are criminals looking for opportunities to steal cars. If you are warming your vehicle up in cold weather, lock the vehicle with a spare set of keys, have someone watch it, and look out for suspicious activity.
Report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 or the dispatch center non-emergency line at 812-379-1689.
