Surveillance footage recently captured a distressing moment when a truck was stolen right in front of its owner. The video shows a vehicle pulling up to the truck, with an individual jumping out and driving away with it. The theft occurred despite the truck owner’s attempt to intervene.
The incident took place the day before Thanksgiving at the intersection of Utica Street and W. 13th Avenue in Denver. Braydon Garcia, the 21-year-old owner of the 1999 Toyota 4Runner, was heating up his vehicle to drive his roommate to the train station when the theft unfolded.
Garcia, standing near the front door, first heard the revving of the truck’s engine. After hearing it a second time, he sensed something was wrong.
Garcia quickly threw on his shoes and rushed out the front door. He saw two individuals switching from the stolen truck to their own vehicle. In the video, Garcia can be seen trying to stop the thieves.
“I was halfway in the car when they started taking off,” Garcia said. “I wasn’t able to get inside the car, which, looking back on it now, I’m a little grateful for.”
Cale Gould of the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority explained that such thefts are common around the metro area, with criminals often working in pairs to target vehicles that are unlocked or left unsecured.
Data from CATPA reveals that nearly 33,000 vehicles were stolen last year, a decrease from 2022’s nearly 42,000 stolen vehicles. As of October 2024, over 20,000 vehicles had been stolen statewide.
Gould advised vehicle owners to secure their cars with anti-theft devices, especially older vehicles without immobilizers. While witnessing a vehicle theft can be alarming, Gould strongly cautioned against confronting thieves, as this could put individuals in danger. “In Colorado, we have a great vehicle recovery rate of about 85%, which is significantly higher than the national average,” he added.
Garcia remains hopeful that his stolen 4Runner will be recovered. The truck’s photo is being circulated, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Denver Police Department.
Additionally, the Colorado State Patrol Victim Assistance Program is available to help victims of auto theft with financial burdens like towing and repair costs. For more details on the grant program, individuals can visit the official website.