A man in Salt Lake City, Utah, possibly intoxicated, is accused of stealing a customer’s pickup truck from an auto parts store while screaming at the air. He was found shortly after thanks to a Drone Team, and before he was arrested, he claimed he was “the law.”
According to the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), the incident occurred back on June 17. Recently released footage showed officers responding to an auto parts and repair shop located near 800 S Main St.
Responding officers talked to one of the shop’s employees, who revealed that a truck had been stolen. The vehicle, a 2026 GMC Sierra, had been parked just outside of the store.
A dispatcher described the man behind the auto theft as “possibly intoxicated.” He was also screaming at the air, and the security camera footage seemed to corroborate this assessment.
Screaming Auto Theft
If the video above won’t load, check it out here.
The SLCPD shared footage showing the man walking outside the auto shop. He was screaming in bursts, but these were unintelligible.
Then, the man walked toward the Sierra and hopped right in. Those inside the auto shop took notice and immediately walked out and toward the man and the now-snatched truck.
Attempts to make him stop failed. The unnamed individual drove away in his newly acquired pickup.
Drone Finds Suspect
Still, the SLCPD’S Drone Team took over and managed to take care of the situation. The suspect was located on the north side of Palmer Court.
The suspect had left the pickup truck behind and walked away, keys in hand and no shoes on. Drone footage showed the man attempting to gain entry to a building. He was unsuccessful.
“Falcon 3, this guy definitely looks like he is on something,” one member of the Drone Team said
“I’m the Law”
A patrol car managed to pull over close to the man. An officer exited his unit and approached him, telling him to “put the items down.”
Despite repeated orders, the suspect didn’t comply. Then, he said, “I’m inside Scientology, [you] can’t do this. They’re my keys. I’m the law. There are no laws.” The officer clapped back, “You’re not the law.” Then, the suspect said, “There are no laws anymore, guys. I took them away.” The officer added, “What are you on, man?”
The officer, seeing that the “conversation” was going nowhere, placed the man in handcuffs and then in the backseat of his patrol car. He was charged with automobile theft, theft ($1,500 – $4,999), and failure to disclose ID.