Car Thief Gets Out Of Jail, Steals Another Vehicle

DECEMBER 5--After spending five months locked up for auto theft, a Washington state man was released from custody Wednesday afternoon and then promptly stole another vehicle from a supermarket parking lot two blocks from the jail, police allege.

Upon his release from the Whitman County jail, Kyle Matthews, 21, made his way on foot to Rosauer’s supermarket in Colfax, a city in the state’s southeast corner.

According to cops, Matthews hopped into a running 1972 Volvo and took off in the car. Responding to a stolen vehicle report, officers quickly intercepted the auto and initiated a traffic stop, according to probable cause affidavits.

Matthews, pictured above, bolted from the vehicle, but was eventually chased down by state trooper and arrested. He was returned to the county jail, where he is being held without bail for auto theft, possession of stolen property, attempting to elude, and other charges. 

All told, Matthews enjoyed about 30 minutes of freedom. (3 pages)