Toronto cop leaves keys in car, guy takes it & crashes it

[sprung]

LOL - they always tell us 'civilians' not to leave the keys in the car unattended.

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Man faces eight charges in theft of police vehicle and shotgun, 12 Division

Friday, December 12, 2008 - 11:20 AM
12 Division
416-808-1200

On Thursday, December 11, 2008, at 7:30 p.m., police were investigating a collision near Weston Road/Lawrence Avenue West.

It is alleged that:

- the officer investigating the collision was using a “stealth” police traffic vehicle, equipped with an issued 12-gauge shotgun,

- the vehicle was positioned to protect the persons involved in the collision, and had the emergency lighting system operating,

- the accused got into the police vehicle, drove two blocks and crashed into a building,

- the accused attempted to run away but was arrested by officers shortly thereafter.

Simon Jackson, 36, of no fixed address, is charged with:

1) Theft Over $5000,
2) Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000,
3) Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm,
4) Possession of a Firearm Obtained by Crime,
5) Mischief – Interfere With the Lawful Use of Property,
6) Mischief Under $5,000,
7) two counts of Fail to Comply With Probation.

He was scheduled to appear in court at 2201 Finch Avenue, on Friday, December 12, 2008, at 10 a.m., room 206.



Constable Wendy Drummond, Public Information, for Detective Stephen Nevill, 12 Division

There are no files attached to this release.

[angekfire]

Owned.

[Evil Baby]

That's pretty funny. Reminds me of the Fire Truck incident a while back.

I assume it's probably common practice and wouldn't be surprised if it's recommended that officers leave their car's running while the lights are on. Those lights can't be too friendly to the cars battery.

[sprung]

That's pretty funny. Reminds me of the Fire Truck incident a while back.

I assume it's probably common practice and wouldn't be surprised if it's recommended that officers leave their car's running while the lights are on. Those lights can't be too friendly to the cars battery.

In the new A&E reality show 'Rookies' they hid the guy's car to teach him a lesson about where/how to park when on a call. It was funny to watch him freak out in front of his Field Training Officer.

[jerryhung]

MOST people are smarter to not steal a police car
just like you wouldn't want to shoot a police officer either

You steal a regular car, or shoot someone regular

[nano]

someone should have told this guy that life isn't like grand theft auto

[nahim.a.a]

someone should have told this guy that life isn't like grand theft auto

Real life is like Mario, you jump and run but finally you meet an ugly and pixilated princess and game is over.

[Sepiraph]

He did it on purpose to get some free meal in jail.

[marcroboy]

He did it on purpose to get some free meal in jail.

somehow I read that as free meat. I blame the brokeback mountain thread lol...

[jadoocian]

so who's dumber? the thief or the cop?

[felixdd]

Simon Jackson, 36, of no fixed address, is charged with:

1) Theft Over $5000,
2) Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000,
3) Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm,
4) Possession of a Firearm Obtained by Crime,
5) Mischief – Interfere With the Lawful Use of Property,
6) Mischief Under $5,000,
7) two counts of Fail to Comply With Probation.

Would he be guilty of the bolded charges if he didn't know that there was a shotgun in the car before he stole it? I mean, can't you see it as happenstance that he stole a car with a gun in it?

And TBH, shouldn't the officer be disciplined for leaving a gun in an unlocked car? If they really need to leave the engines running while they're running a call, can't they carry two sets of keys with them, so that they can lock the car with it running?

[vrus]

I guess it depends on if he saw the shotty. If it was locked in the trunk, i'm sure those charges wouldn't stick.

[Eyies]

Real life is like Mario, you jump and run but finally you meet an ugly and pixilated princess and game is over.

Real life is just like returning used deodorant, sure its fun and you get to brag and have your 5 minutes of fame, but finally in the end you just can't have anyone take you seriously without bringing it up.

[corrupt123]

The shotgun was locked up between the front seats, at least according to the star article I read in the paper this morning.

I think it's pretty funny. This guy obviously has priors and not a whole lot going for him... he was probably just passing by when he saw the oppritunity and took it. I'm surprised he crashed though, those cars are pretty damn easy to drive