Stealing a car would already be a bad idea. Stealing something that stretches 53 feet behind you is an even tougher way to keep a low profile.
A Florida man is facing charges in North Carolina after authorities say he was found with a commercial tractor-trailer that had reportedly been stolen. A piece of trucking equipment that would be difficult to overlook just about anywhere.
According to warrants cited by WITN, 51-year-old Antonio James of Miramar, Florida, was arrested Wednesday in Pitt County, North Carolina.
The trailer in question wasn’t an ordinary trailer that could be tucked behind a house. Authorities say it was a 2020 Wabash National 53-foot dry van belonging to Tri Star Logistics and valued at approximately $7,000.
Police Say the 53-Foot Trailer Was Stolen
According to the warrants, James was allegedly found in possession of the commercial trailer after it had been reported stolen. The circumstances surrounding how the trailer allegedly ended up in James’ possession were not fully detailed in WITN’s report. However, authorities identified the trailer as property belonging to Tri Star Logistics.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol arrested James, and he subsequently appeared in court for his first appearance. The judge set his secured bond at $100,000.
A 53-Foot Trailer Is Not So Easy to Hide
A tractor-trailer is one of the most recognizable pieces of equipment in the trucking industry. These enclosed trailers are designed to carry freight and are commonly seen traveling behind tractor-trailers on highways across the country.
At 53 feet long, the trailer involved in this case is roughly the length of a bowling lane, which is roughly around 60 feet. That also makes it considerably different from a stolen passenger car.
The trailer in this case was reportedly worth $7,000. While that may not sound like an enormous price tag, it is still a fairly substantial piece of property to have in your possession without permission.
There isn’t exactly a shortage of places to hide a sedan, but finding somewhere to park a 53-foot commercial trailer without anyone noticing is a much bigger task.
James Was Already On Federal Probation
The trailer wasn’t the only issue authorities had to deal with following James’ arrest. WITN reports that court documents also indicate James was already on federal probation in Florida.
That adds another complication to a case that started with an allegedly stolen piece of commercial trucking equipment. James appeared in court Thursday following his arrest. His secured bond was set at $100,000.
The allegations against James have not been proven in court, and an arrest is not a conviction. James will have the opportunity to contest these charges as the case proceeds.
A 53-foot trailer is designed to spend its days traveling between warehouses and distribution centers. It isn’t exactly the sort of thing most people expect to see sitting somewhere on its own.
This story is based on reporting from WITN and allegations contained in court documents. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.