The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Key Largo man on Saturday after he stole a car from a friend’s boyfriend and, adding insult to injury, ended up in a multivehicle crash.
Esteban Alberto Lara Sanchez, 25, was charged with damaging property over $1,000 and motor vehicle theft.
Around 9:30 a.m., deputies responded to a reported theft in Key Largo and met with the victim, who reported his car stolen. According to the report, Lara Sanchez showed up at the victim’s home around 4:30 a.m. wanting to talk. The victim’s girlfriend arrived home, with Lara Sanchez leaving at almost the exact same time. The victim then went to bed.
Upon awaking the next morning, the victim realized that his vehicle was missing but Lara Sanchez’ vehicle was still there. The victim called MCSO, and they began looking for the vehicle. However, the Florida Highway Patrol showed up at the victim’s house, and informed him that Lara Sanchez was involved in a crash with the victim’s vehicle around 7:30 a.m.
The crash totaled the stolen vehicle and caused significant damage to two others. No injuries were reported from the crash. The victim confirmed that Lara Sanchez did not have permission to use his vehicle, and decided to press charges.
Deputies arrested Lara Sanchez at his home, and transported him to the Plantation Key jail. Lara Sanchez was released later that same day.
Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.
If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.