Authorities in Washington state say they have recovered a rental vehicle reported stolen out of Texas and arrested a woman who told investigators she was simply "too busy" to return it for more than a month.
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office said deputies were alerted Thursday to an Automated License Plate (Flock) Reader (ALPR) Alert regarding a reported stolen Dodge Durango with Florida license plates last seen traveling south on N. Argonne Road, east of Spokane.
Deputies located the vehicle and confirmed the Florida license plate before detaining the driver, identified as 33-year-old Mogan A. Jewell.
Jewell told investigators that she rented the vehicle in Dallas, Texas, on Oct. 21. She allegedly admitted she was only supposed to have the rental vehicle for one day, but said she drove it to Spokane after she "became too busy to return it," the sheriff's office said.
Jewell told deputies that she made efforts to contact the rental company to extend her rental agreement but was unsuccessful. She also allegedly admitted receiving a message from the rental company warning the Durango would be reported as stolen if she failed to return it.
According to the Dallas Fort Worth Airport Police Department report reviewed by deputies, Jewell rented the vehicle on Oct. 20. The sheriff's office said the rental company chose to pursue charges.
Jewell was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
--with reporting by TMX
