A man who allegedly stayed overnight as a guest in a condominium unit was arrested for stealing a vehicle from the building’s parking area in Quezon City, police said.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) identified the suspect as alias “Jasper,” 30, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Makati City.
Police said the victim’s sedan was stolen from the basement parking area of his condominium in Barangay Old Balara on Sunday evening, July 5.
Initial investigation showed that the suspect had stayed overnight at the victim’s condominium unit.
The victim reportedly dropped off the suspect at a nearby public transportation area at around 3 p.m.
At around 9:15 p.m., the victim discovered that the spare keys to his sedan and sports utility vehicle (SUV) were missing.
When he checked the parking area, he found that his sedan had already been taken.
Police said the victim later received text messages from the suspect, who allegedly admitted taking the vehicle and demanded P30,000 in exchange for its return.
Despite the victim’s attempts to negotiate, the suspect allegedly refused to return the vehicle.
The victim also learned that the suspect was allegedly trying to sell the stolen car through a common acquaintance.
The victim then sought police assistance.
Operatives from the QCPD District Anti-Carnapping Unit and the Batasan Police Station launched an entrapment operation.
A police officer posed as a buyer and arranged to meet the suspect at the corner of Times Street and Examiner Street in Barangay West Triangle at around 10:30 p.m. on July 6.
Police said the suspect arrived driving the stolen vehicle.
The suspect was asked to present proof of ownership, but he failed to produce any document.
Authorities said the suspect was arrested, and the stolen vehicle was recovered at around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7.
The suspect will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016.
QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio commended the operatives for their swift response and coordination, which led to the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen vehicle.