Police Arrest Man Less Than an Hour After Allegedly Stealing Car in Pasadena

Police arrested an alleged car-thief Tuesday after spotting him trying to drive out of town just minutes after they say he stole a car in Pasadena.

A woman notified police about 11 a.m. that her gray Mini Cooper had been stolen from the area of Lake Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, said Pasadena police Lt. Pete Hettema. The woman believed she had left her car keys on a bench before the opportunistic thief snatched them and used them to drive off in her car.

The victim pointed police toward where the car had gone, north on Lake Avenue, Hettema said.

Within minutes, officers spotted the just-stolen Mini Copper on the eastbound 210 Freeway near Santa Anita Avenue, according to the lieutenant.

They followed the car as additional officers caught up with the procession, he said. The driver pulled over when officers activated their lights as he made his way onto the southbound 57 Freeway in San Dimas. He was taken into custody without a struggle and the car was recovered.

Dylan Eric Campbell, 26, was booked on suspicion of auto theft, as well as driving without a license, Hettema said.

Information regarding Campbell’s bail and an initial court date were not available Tuesday afternoon.