‘It is what it is’: Lincoln woman forgiving of teens accused of stealing car

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Lincoln woman was without a car for two days after her 2015 Kia was stolen late Monday night.

Jill Podraza said she heard noises about 10:30 p.m.

“Didn’t think nothing of it,” she said. “Woke up Tuesday morning, and my car was gone.”

It was one of two cars stolen that night, and the thefts were committed by four teenagers, according to Lincoln Police. The other vehicle stolen was a Honda Pilot.

Once both vehicles were reported stolen, authorities began searching.

Officers found Podraza’s car unoccupied on Wednesday at 14th and Rose streets, just a few blocks from her home.

“They did not take anything,” said Podraza. “Only thing they took was loose change that was in the console. And they were nice enough to put the car seat in the trunk for me.”

Police said while they were in the area, the stolen Honda — driven by a 16-year-old — arrived.

Officers then tried to pull it over, but the teen refused their commands, backing up into one of the patrol cars.

Podraza’s car was not damaged, but there were a few pieces of trash left inside.

“It ended up being McDonald’s, Tito’s vodka, a lot of paraphernalia, marijuana,” she said. “My car smells ridiculous.”

Four teens were arrested — one 18-year-old and three 16-year-olds. All are facing charges of felony theft.

Podraza said she doesn’t have any resentment toward the teens.

“I prayed for the kids,” she said. “I feel sorry for their moms, their dads or whoever. You know, they’re just some punk kids that didn’t have a good upbringing in their lives.”

Podraza said she wants them to be punished, but “it is what it is.”

“It was only a car,” she said.