WOMAN STEALS CAR LEFT IDLING (2007)
January 10, 2007, just shortly before 7 a.m., Fort Worth Police responded to a call at the Wilshire West Apartments, located at 3000 Las Vegas Trail in west Fort Worth, after the vehicle owner relayed that someone had just stolen his car. A stolen vehicle broadcast was sent out and while officers were in route to the scene, one officer spotted the stolen 1999 White Chevy Monte Carlo driving east at 7500 Camp Bowie W. Blvd. The officer turned around and attempted to verify that the license plate on the car matched the earlier broadcast. The suspect driver, later identified as GRACIELA O. Miller, a black female, 19 years of age, (mug shot attached) continued traveling east on Camp Bowie and began to flee from police after officers' attempted to stop the stolen car.A short pursuit ensued, which lasted approximately 2 minutes, until the chase terminated when the suspect lost control of the stolen car and skidded “backwards” into the side of the Uncle Julio's Restaurant, located at 5200 Camp Bowie. Police took the suspect into custody without further incident. No other passengers were found inside the stolen car. The suspect did sustain minor injuries, as a result of the crash, and was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital for treatment. After the suspect was released from medical treatment, she was then transported to jail where she faces felony charges, including: Evading Police in a Vehicle and Auto Theft, plus local traffic warrants.No one else was injured in this incident and no other vehicle collisions were reported in association with this fleeing vehicle.In the aftermath, police interviewed the owner of the vehicle and learned that he had gone outside of his apartment and started the car to warm it up. The owner did have a second set of keys to the car and locked the door, but left the car running and unattended. After the owner went back inside of his apartment, the suspect came along and took advantage of the opportunity to steal the car.Police remind vehicle owners that it is unlawful in the State of Texas to leave your keys inside of the car, even if you lock the car and have another set.