Failed attempt to steal vehicle, leaves thief caught

By Mark Berryman, WLHR

According to a report by the Hartwell Police Department, officers responded to a Benson Street address in reference to the report of an attempt to steal a vehicle.

The victim stated he and his family were watching a movie when they were startled by the sound of his 2004 GMC Sierra K15 starting up.

The victim said he then heard the motor rev three times.

He then ran outside and saw a subject in the driver’s seat.

The victim then grabbed the subject as he started to move forward with the truck.

He then held the subject in the passenger’s seat until the arrival of officers.

Officers then arrested 38-year-old Juan Carlos Avila Alfaro of a S. Jackson St. address in Hartwell.

Alfaro has been charged with felony theft by taking.

The truck was valued at $6,000.