ARRESTED – A 49-year-old mechanic who allegedly drove off with a customer's car was arrested in Baliwag, Bulacan. (Photo courtesy of QCPD)
A 49-year-old mechanic was arrested in Baliwag, Bulacan, after allegedly driving off with the car of a 67-year-old entrepreneur who had entrusted the vehicle to him for repairs.
RECOVERED – The silver Honda City allegedly taken by a mechanic was recovered by police along Piscasio Street in Barangay Tangos, Baliwag, Bulacan. (Photo courtesy of QCPD)
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said the victim handed over his silver Honda City to alias "Bobby" on June 29 and allowed him to pick up the vehicle using a spare key because the suspect had previously repaired his vehicles.
However, instead of returning the car, the suspect allegedly disappeared and could no longer be contacted, prompting the victim to report the incident to the QCPD.
A follow-up investigation led operatives of the La Loma Police Station, with the assistance of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, to Barangay Tangos, where they arrested the suspect at about 3:15 a.m. on July 2 and recovered the Honda City along Piscasio Street.
When the vehicle was inspected, the victim found that its spare tire, heavy-duty lifting jack, hydraulic jack, and assorted tools worth about P15,000 were missing.
Police also found that the suspect had previous criminal cases for murder in 2016 and 2019, and frustrated murder in 2021.
The suspect remains under police custody and is facing complaints for estafa, violation of Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, and theft before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office.