Woman Tries To Steal Car From Winter Haven Dealership: Police

WINTER HAVEN, FL — An Auburndale woman faces grand theft of a motor vehicle charge for not returning a new car she took for a test drive from a Winter Haven dealership, Winter Haven police said.

Thirty-four-year old Shonteria Story told a salesperson at Chevy Center, 1010 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Monday evening that she was interested in purchasing a 2021 Chevy Equinox, according to investigators. Prior to Story taking the car for a drive, the salesperson made a copy of her driver license. She was told to take a short drive and return. The employee couldn't ride with her because the dealership doesn't allow them to ride with customers on test drives due to COVID-19 restrictions.

She drove away just after 6 p.m., and didn't return a short while later, investigators said. She didn't return at all. The associate called Story's phone, but she didn't answer. The police were then called, and they were able to track the suspect via OnStar on the Chevy.

Detectives said the vehicle was found at a location on E. Main Street in Bartow. Story had removed the dealer tag from the car, and she had the inside of it filled with her personal belongings. Officers arrested her on grand theft of a motor vehicle charge.