Alleged Car Thief Mistakes Police Cruiser For His Getaway Uber

Tenafly, NJ – An ex-convict who had crashed a stolen car mistook a police cruiser for an Uber he had called.

Police were searching in the area for the suspected car thief after the crash was reported, according to The Daily Voice.

That’s when Michael Lockett, who was out-of-breath, approached the police cruiser of Officer Manuel Fidel, according to the Daily Voice.

Police said Lockett thought the car was his Uber ride but when he was about to get inside, Lockett realized it was a police car and tried to just walk away.

Officer Fidel ordered Lockett to stop, but Lockett ran off, according to Tenafly Police Chief Robert Chamberlain.

Lockett tried to get away by hiding behind a nearby home and then running through several backyards.

A Bergen County Sheriff’s Deputy and K-9 were called and police were able to follow Lockett’s footprints.

Tenafly Police Officer Jason Heese found Lockett hiding near a bush and he was taken into custody, according to Chief Chamberlain.

Lockett was arrested for robbery, aggravated assault with a weapon, conspiracy, obstruction and hindering and resisting arrest, according to The Daily Voice.

He was sent to the Bergen County Jail and is awaiting a court date.

Lockett has a history of legal trouble. He is a convicted burglar and drug dealer, according to The Daily Voice. He was released from prison in October after serving more than three years.