It’s no secret that Albuquerque police plant bait cars throughout the city, enticing criminals to steal one only to be caught moments later by officers watching the whole thing. The APD Bait Car Program has netted many arrests, and the dash cam video released from each one often deters many from stealing a car.They are sometimes humorous, as thieves are placed in “gotcha” moments. The latest bait car arrest is no different.Last Friday, APD placed a bait car in Southeast Albuquerque. Around 10 p.m., a man walked up to the car, unlawfully entered, and started the car.After walking around the car several times, the video shows the suspected thief getting in and driving off.The ironic part is the popular song “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors is playing the entire time on the radio. The man is all smiles until APD remotely shuts the car off, approaches the vehicle, and makes an arrest.Drew Mayo, 21, was taken into custody and charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.Some would argue it was far from the best day of his life.“Absolutely not,” APD Lt. Paul Szych said. “It seems this individual made a bad choice, and did something I’m sure they now regret.”Aside from the video’s comedic nature, Szych hopes it stands as a valuable lesson.“If we can take programs such as this to deter individuals from stealing vehicles, that's mission critical for us. The deterrent is just as important as the apprehension," Szych said.Mobile users: Tap for video

It’s no secret that Albuquerque police plant bait cars throughout the city, enticing criminals to steal one only to be caught moments later by officers watching the whole thing.

The APD Bait Car Program has netted many arrests, and the dash cam video released from each one often deters many from stealing a car.


They are sometimes humorous, as thieves are placed in “gotcha” moments. The latest bait car arrest is no different.

Last Friday, APD placed a bait car in Southeast Albuquerque. Around 10 p.m., a man walked up to the car, unlawfully entered, and started the car.

After walking around the car several times, the video shows the suspected thief getting in and driving off.

The ironic part is the popular song “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors is playing the entire time on the radio. The man is all smiles until APD remotely shuts the car off, approaches the vehicle, and makes an arrest.

Drew Mayo, 21, was taken into custody and charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Some would argue it was far from the best day of his life.

“Absolutely not,” APD Lt. Paul Szych said. “It seems this individual made a bad choice, and did something I’m sure they now regret.”

Aside from the video’s comedic nature, Szych hopes it stands as a valuable lesson.

“If we can take programs such as this to deter individuals from stealing vehicles, that's mission critical for us. The deterrent is just as important as the apprehension," Szych said.

Mobile users: Tap for video