A 45-year-old man was arrested by the police in Manila after he stole a car in Valenzuela City on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) identified the suspect as Raymond Arsala, a resident of Mapulang Lupa, Valenzuela City.
According to the victim, Melencio Santos Jr., a Grab driver, he parked his car with the engine running at Kabatuhan, Mapulang Lupa, Valenzuela City to buy vegetables in a nearby store.
He said an unidentified man suddenly boarded his car and sped off toward the direction of Brgy. Ugong, Valenzuela City.
The incident occurred at about 9:50 a.m. on Saturday.
The victim reported the incident to VCPS Sub-station 8.
VCPS Station Tactical Operation Center (STOC) immediately performed a dragnet operation to arrest the suspect.
Meanwhile, VCPS Detective Management Unit (DMU) and Special Investigation Unity (SIU) probers were able to locate the stolen vehicle through the Global Positioning System (GPS) of the victim's phone left inside the car.
The victim said his phone has active GPS as he uses it for Grab service.
After more than two hours, the car was found and the suspect was arrested at Street No. 30 at Manila North Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Manila.
The suspect was arrested after a witness, Santiago Adriano, said he saw Arsala alight from the vehicle after parking it in the area at about 11 a.m.
The suspect will face charges for violation of Republic Act 10883 or the New Anti-Carnapping Act, police said.