82-year-old Clark County woman’s car stolen in alleged flat-tire con

One person has been charged in connection with the theft of an 82-year-old Clark County woman’s car and police are still seeking others involved.

John Watkins III, 25, of Springfield is booked in the Clark County Jail on a $2,000 bond after he pleaded not guilty to charges of receiving stolen property.

Police are still investigating and hope to arrest more people, German Twp. Police Chief Michael Stitzel said.

German Twp. Police took a report of a woman who had her car stolen from the parking lot of McDonald’s, 1160 Upper Valley Pike, on Sunday night, Stitzel said. A woman approached the victim and told her she had a flat tire, police said. When the driver got out to look at the tire, the suspects allegedly jumped in and stole the car.

Police put out a “be on the lookout” to local law enforcement of the victim’s car, a White 2005 Chevy Malibu, he said.

Monday night Springfield police spotted the car on North Limestone Street and matched the license plate with the missing vehicle, according to court records.

They attempted to stop the car, but the driver and a passenger sped away from officers. When the car finally stopped at Colony Lane, two men jumped out of the car.

Watkins was caught a mile from where he ran behind the Elk’s Golf Course on Villa Road, police said.

German Twp. police thanked residents who shared their Facebook post about the stolen car. It currently has more than 2,100 shares and reached more than 80,000 viewers, Stitzel said.

Anyone with information about the crime should call German Twp. Police at 937-964-9105.

About the Author