An Arizona sheriff says that a recently released prisoner attacked a trucker and stole his load of $1.25 million worth of sports cars on Thursday.
The assault and robbery took place on February 15 at a Love’s truck stop in Willcox, Arizona, according to Cochise County Sheriff’s Office – Mark J. Dannels Sheriff (CCSO).
Police say that Oklahoma resident Isaiah Walker, 23, “spoke to the victim about his truckload, lulled him into a sense of security, and when the victim was entering his vehicle Mr. Walker grabbed the victim and threw him from the cab.”
After throwing the trucker out of the truck, police say that Walker entered the cab, locked the doors, and drove the semi out of the truck stop parking lot as it was loaded with ten Chevrolet C8 Corvettes with an estimated value above $1,250,000.
Walker drove the car hauler north on Fort Grant Road.
A CCSO deputy spotted the truck and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Walker did not pull over and “began driving recklessly which caused vehicles to leave the roadway.”
However, when stolen truck approached North Fort Grant Road and County Line Road, it turned onto County Line Road and stopped.
Walker was taken into custody with help from the Willcox Police Department.
“Mr. Walker admitted to stealing the vehicle and advised that the Corvettes were not the reason and that he needed a truck to get home as he had just been released from prison,” CCSO said.
Walker was charged with Robbery, eleven counts of Theft of Means of Transportation, and Felony Theft.
Chief Hadfield stated, “I am extremely proud of the officer and deputy involved in this investigation. The deputy and officer showed great restraint and patience in bringing a serious crime to a peaceful resolution, all while keeping the property of others from being damaged. The stolen vehicle was safely recovered without damage and was released to the driver so he could continue his delivery. Again, I thank the officer and deputy who were involved in this investigation for keeping our citizens safe.”