Man Stole Car From Tinley Park Dealership, Hurt 2 In Crash: Cops

TINLEY PARK, IL — A Kentucky man was arrested Thursday after police said he stole a white Jeep Cherokee from outside a Tinley Park car dealership. The car was later involved in a crash which left two people injured.

According to police, 50-year-old Marty Crawford walked up to a car parked outside of Bettenhausen Dodge at 8355 West 159th Street Thursday afternoon. The vehicle was an unlocked test model which was used for those interested in purchasing a similar car.

Crawford used a key fob that had been left inside of the car to start the Jeep and drive away, authorities said. A few hours later, the same vehicle was involved in a traffic crash at the corner of 179th Street and LaGrange Road. After the Jeep crashed, police said Crawford fled on foot before officers were able to locate and arrest him.

An off-duty Will County sheriff's deputy and an eyewitness helped in locating Crawford once he ran from the car, officials said.

The two people injured in the crash were taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox where they are both listed in stable condition.

Officials from Bettenhausen Dodge did not immediately respond to questions on why a key fob was left in the unlocked vehicle.

Prosecutors were awaiting charges for Crawford as of Thursday evening.

The news comes as Tinley Park, Orland Park and Orland Hills officials announced a new task force to crack down on car thefts, specifically along 159th Street.