06/13/15 Lincoln, NE – 32 Year Old Male On Crime Spree – Stealing From 2 Businesses – Suspect Found Later In Police Car At Police Station Trying To Steal It – Escapes – Arrested Later

June 13, 2015

journalstar.com

Lincoln Police arrested a 32-year-old man who they say went on a crime spree late Friday night into Saturday morning.

Kristopher Koebel is accused of stealing from two businesses and attempting to steal a police cruiser.

At 11:19 p.m. on Friday, police responded to a burglar alarm at Muscle Car Memories, 3220 N. 20th St. When they arrived, officers saw that the front door was shattered and the overheard garage door had been left open. Police say a $100,000 1974 Pontiac Firebird had been stolen.

About 10 minutes later, police say a witness spotted a man breaking into a Verizon Wireless store at 4740 N. 27th St. Officers say about $380 worth of cell phone accessories were stolen.

At 12:30 a.m., police say a man was seen inside a police cruiser parked outside the Lincoln Police Department substation at 1501 N. 27th St.

When an off-duty sergeant approached the man, police say he asked for a key to the cruiser. When the sergeant refused, police said, the man fled in a white 1974 Pontiac Firebird.

A short car chase led police back to Muscle Car Memories, where Koebel allegedly tried to steal the business owner’s truck.

Koebel was arrested and jailed Saturday on suspicion of burglary, attempted theft of the police cruiser, and fleeing to avoid arrest.