Suspect Arrested after Stealing an Unattended Idling Vehicle – Prescott Police Department

On Saturday, August 26, 2023, at approximately 1:45 p.m. Prescott Police officers responded to the alley behind the Lone Spur Café, 106 W. Gurley Street regarding the theft of a vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers met and spoke with the victim who stated he was an employee of the restaurant. The victim explained he ran back inside the business to return property to a fellow coworker while leaving his 2003 Infiniti passenger vehicle unattended and idling.

When the victim returned, he observed his vehicle traveling northbound on N. Montezuma Street towards Willis Street. Additional members of our patrol bureau attempted to locate the vehicle.

Within a few minutes officers received information the stolen vehicle was involved in a collision with two other parked vehicles in the parking lot of O’Reilly Auto Parts, 342 Grove Avenue. The result of the collision caused substantial damage to all three vehicles.

The suspect fled the scene on foot and was spotted in a creek bed in the vicinity of Prescott College, 200 Grove Avenue. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Albuquerque, NM resident, Andrew Stickler initially resisted arrest but was taken into custody without further incident.

Through further investigation, it was discovered Stickler’s New Mexico driving privileges were revoked. Stickler displayed signs and symptoms of impairment and was transported back to the Prescott Police Department where he was processed for Aggravated DUI.

Stickler was booked into the Yavapai County Jail on the following charges: Theft of Means of Transportation, Felony Criminal Damage, Aggravated DUI, Resisting Arrest, and Leaving the scene of an accident with damage.

Thankfully, no officers or innocent bystanders were injured during this incident.

The Prescott Police Department would like to remind citizens to always lock their vehicles and never leave unattended vehicles idling, even if only for a short period of time.