A sale at a Montana auto auction took a crazy and unexpected turn when someone allegedly drove away in a pickup that was waiting to cross the block. The getaway reportedly involved crashing through a steel fence before ending at a rural home.
According to the Billings Gazette, 18-year-old Aubrey Rain Williams pleaded not guilty Tuesday to accusations connected to the unusual trip. She is charged with theft of a light vehicle, criminal mischief, and misdemeanor trespassing.
The incident began during an Aug. 7 sale at Billings Public Auto Auction. Employees said a woman who had been speaking with people on the property climbed into a silver 2015 Chevrolet Silverado.
The pickup was later recovered in Shepherd with extensive damage. Court records cited by the Gazette allege that Williams also entered a rural home and went to bed during the incident.
The Silverado Was Driven Through a Steel Fence
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The video shared by Billings Public Auto Auction documents the business’s search for the missing truck and the damage left behind.
Auction owners Sherri and Geordie Steilen told Q2 News that the woman drove toward the fence and forced the Silverado beneath it. Part of the heavy steel barrier was ripped from the ground as the truck escaped onto First Avenue North.
The keys had been left inside the Silverado and secured with a zip tie. The owners explained that auction vehicles must remain accessible so prospective buyers and drivers can inspect them. No one was reported injured when the pickup broke through the fence.
The Auction Estimated Nearly $10,000 in Losses
The Steilens estimated that the Silverado was worth approximately $5,500. They expected the damaged fence to cost another $4,000 to $5,000 to repair.
After the theft, the auction shared photographs and a video on Facebook, asking the community for information. The owners said their posts generated more than 100,000 views and produced several tips.
The Silverado was recovered in Shepherd two days after it disappeared. Photographs provided to Q2 News show significant damage to the front and sides of the truck.
Court Records Allege the Trip Ended Inside a Home
The Gazette reported that the driver allegedly continued to a rural residence, entered the home and went to bed to take a nap. That allegation resulted in the misdemeanor trespassing charge filed alongside the vehicle-theft and criminal-mischief counts. Many joked about how she went to bed after the alleged crime on the article’s Facebook post. One comment said, “What women have to go through JUST to be able to take a nap. 😂”
Williams entered not-guilty pleas to all three charges in Yellowstone County District Court. The accusations have not been proven, and the criminal case remains pending.