A tractor-trailer full of brand-new Chevy Corvettes worth over $1.25 million was stolen by an ex-convict looking for a ride home in Arizona on Thursday, police said.
Twenty-three-year-old Isaiah Walker of Lawton, Oklahoma, was booked on Thursday on multiple felony charges for the alleged theft. Charges include robbery, 11 counts of theft of means of transportation, and felony theft, per police.
The truck was parked at the Willcox Loves Truck Stop in Willcox, Arizona, when Walker began to strike up a conversation with the truck driver. When the driver attempted to climb into the cab of the truck, Walker grabbed the driver and threw him to the ground. At that point, Walker got into the truck, locked the doors, and drove it out of the parking lot, police said.
A deputy from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Department caught up to the stolen truck and attempted to pull it over. However, Walker was not willing to give up his score so easily. He began to swerve and force other cars off the road. However, eventually, the truck turned down a road and stopped. Walker was taken into custody at the scene and questioned after being read his Miranda rights. He admitted to stealing the truck but claimed that the 10 Corvettes that were onboard had nothing to do with it. He stated that he was just released from prison and needed a ride home.
“I am extremely proud of the officer and deputy involved in this investigation,” said Willcox Police Chief Dale Hadfield. “The deputy and officer showed great restraint and patience in bringing a serious crime to a peaceful resolution, all while keeping the property of others from being damaged. The stolen vehicle was safely recovered without damage and was released to the driver so he could continue his delivery.”
For Walker, the good news is that he is not going to need to worry about a ride home again for a while thanks to a fresh batch of felony charges. For the future owners of these Corvettes, the good news is that despite the unplanned detour, the cars were undamaged and should be delivered with minimal delay.