Man repeatedly took couple’s van, would return it before they awoke, authorities say

A man repeatedly took a couple’s van and used it as a getaway vehicle while he committed other crimes, then returned it before they awoke, police say.

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Beverly Havard noticed changes to the van, which is specially designed to transport her disabled husband, after she recently misplaced the spare key, KTRK reported.

The mileage had increased and the seat and mirrors would be in different positions.

"I said, 'Somebody's driving my car and bringing it back. I know I'm not crazy,'" Harvard told KTRK.

Deputies arrested Michael Armando Lopez Friday as he was driving the Havard’s van.

Lopez tried to flee and crashed the van, KTRK reported.

"I had to cancel his doctor's appointment," Havard told KTRK. "I hope he's satisfied that he took advantage of an elderly person that's very sick and that can't be transported or go anywhere."

Deputies said surveillance video shows Lopez trying to steal items from vehicles parked in the Havards' neighborhood, KTRK reported.

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