Thief who just helped himself to unlocked big rig was deemed ‘unable to care for himself’ nearly a decade ago

A man who stole an unlocked semi truck in Michigan last week is now facing charges, despite being declared an incapacitated individual” by a judge just under a decade ago. 

The recent theft occurred on August 11th in Oakland County, Michigan, but this isn’t the first time this individual has had a run-in with the law. 

According to The Royal Oak Tribune, 55-year-old Carl Frederick Newnham took the truck from the Oakland County Farmers Market parking lot as its owner was speaking to a client. Luckily, the truck owner was able to follow the truck and contact deputies, who conducted a traffic stop and took Newnham into custody. 

Newnham refused to speak to officers but was arrested without incident. He is currently charged with unlawfully driving away a vehicle and was given a $10,000 cash or surety bond. 

Newnham’s criminal history includes a prior arrest in Flint Michigan for assault. Additionally, back in December of 2013, Newnham was declared an ‘incapacitated individual’ by  Genesee County Probate Judge Jennie Barkey, who issued an order concluding that Newnham was mentally ill and totally unable to care for himself.