Ohio man allegedly steals vehicle

CCJC - MUGSHOT - Michael D. Smith, 31, Akron, OH

An Ohio man was arrested for vehicle theft at Best Western Hotel.

Chief Deputy Eric Oberholtzer released information today about the Sunday afternoon incident.

The Clay County Emergency 911 Dispatch received a call regarding a stolen vehicle from the Best Western Hotel, Brazil, IN, near State Road 59 and State Road 42.

A Clay County Sheriff’s Department deputy was patrolling near the area and initiated a traffic stop near Poland, IN, near the intersection of County Road 850 East and State Road 42.

The suspect, identified as Michael D. Smith, 31, Akron, OH, was taken into custody without incident.

During the following investigation, it was learned that Smith located the vehicle unoccupied and running in the parking lot of the Best Western Hotel. Smith entered the vehicle and began traveling to Ohio.

Smith was transported to the Clay County Justice Center, remanded to the jail staff, and preliminarily charged with:

Auto Theft, a Level 6 Felony,

Possession of Marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor,

Possession of Paraphernalia, a Class C Misdemeanor.

The CCSD was assisted by the Owen County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana Conservation.

All individuals named in this matter are presumed innocent until proven guilty.