An early morning crime of opportunity in the northeast community of Abbeydale left a newspaper carrier standing alone in the dark.

Shortly before 3:00 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of 68 St. N.E. following reports of a vehicle theft.

According to CPS District 4 Acting Sergeant Chris Bennett, a newspaper carrier left his vehicle running while making a delivery. A blue minivan approached and a passenger exited the van. The suspect hopped into the driver seat of the carrier’s Jeep Grand Cherokee and drove off. The stunned deliveryman contacted police.

Several minutes later, officers located the abandoned vehicle in a nearby alleyway.

“The driver fled on foot, K-9 attended, and officers engaged in a foot tracking of the individual,” explains Acting Sgt. Bennett.

The Jeep was recovered undamaged and reunited with its owner.

Following a foot chase throughout the community which lasted approximately 45 minutes, officers arrested the suspect in the 800 block of Abbotsford Dr. N.E.

“While officers were clearing from that scene, a blue minivan with damage was noted driving by the area,” said Bennett. “A stop was conducted and it pulled over and three more individuals were taken into custody without incident.”

According to police, the suspects had been drinking and were travelling in a stolen minivan. Charges are pending against the suspects.