Police: Vehicle Thief Busted after Filling Out Job Application

KILGORE — A Longview man outed himself by way of a job application shortly after he stole a car in the Kilgore area, according to police. According to KETK, police say on Tuesday night, a man entered a restaurant to get a bite to eat but left his vehicle running. While the man was inside the business, a burglar jumped in his vehicle and sped away. Responding officers learned the suspect had just filled out a job application containing his personal information right before the car was taken. Kilgore Police said officers also knew the man from previous run-ins with the law, and a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) was issued for Courtney Cordell Wheat.

Longview Police were able to locate the man at the Budget Inn off Highway 80 in Gregg County. He was arrested and booked into jail for unauthorized use of a vehicle. Wheat, 29, is being held on $3,500 bond. Kilgore Police ask citizens be mindful of leaving their vehicle running in public or private places.