Public Encouraged to Remain Vigilant As Auto Thefts Increase
GREEN BAY, WI (OnFocus) – The Green Bay Police Department is warning the public that it’s received about 20 new reports of stolen autos and attempted thefts since the beginning of April, bringing the total to nearly 70 vehicles, which have been primarily Hyundai and Kia, since mid-January of this year.
This comes as we release squad camera video from a recent pursuit of a teenage suspect, who has been charged in adult court for allegedly driving a stolen Kia Sportage that hit a police vehicle along with causing minor injuries to an officer.
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office charged Darian Pinchart, 17, on Thursday, June 22, 2023:
- Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety
- Knowingly Flee/Elude or Attempt to Flee/Elude an Officer
- Drive or Operate a Vehicle Without Owner’s Consent
- Obstructing an Officer
The incident involving Pinchart happened on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, just after 1:30 p.m. when officers were initiating a traffic stop at North Washington and Main streets. In the squad camera video, the Kia can be seen backing into the front of one police vehicle then pulling forward and causing injury to an officer’s wrist when it catches on the door frame of an open window as the driver accelerates before fleeing at a high rate of speed creating a dust cloud. At this point, officers chose not to continue to pursue the vehicle taking public safety into account. A short time later, officers were able to locate the vehicle unoccupied near Pine and North Roosevelt streets. A K9 unit was then used to track the suspect leading to Pinchart’s arrest around North Baird and St. Clair streets with the assistance of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.
To view the video being released by the Green Bay Police Department from this incident on YouTube, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ik_HHSVV-k.
“Auto theft is a serious crime, and we are committed to holding those responsible for it, accountable,” said Chief Chris Davis, Green Bay Police Department. “As always, I encourage parents to talk to their kids about the long-term consequences of the decision to engage in this criminal activity, and to know where they are and what they’re doing.”
Tips to Prevent Auto Thefts:
- Use a Garage if Accessible
- Park in Well-Lit Areas
- Purchase an Anti-Theft Locking Device
- Lock Your Vehicle
- Take Your Keys
- Do Not Leave Valuables in Your Vehicle
- Contact Hyundai (800-633-5151) or Kia (800-333-4542) Toll-Free for Software Updates
These investigations are ongoing. No further details will be released at this time.
Anyone with information related a stolen auto or attempted theft is encouraged to call Green Bay Police at (920) 448-3200. If you have anything to share about the case mentioned in this media release, please reference #23-233400. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (920) 432-STOP (7867). You may also submit a tip online at www.432stop.com, or utilize the “P3 Tips” app.
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Author: News Desk
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