LPD: Man arrested twice in 24 hours after pair of vehicle thefts in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A man was arrested twice within 24 hours this week after a pair of vehicle thefts in Lincoln, police say.

Just before 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, officers were sent to Mackovicka Physical Therapy near 48th Street and Leighton Avenue on a report of a stolen vehicle.

A person parked his vehicle at the business and put his keys under the floor mat with the windows open, according to police.

When he came back outside an hour later, the vehicle was gone.

Police said that while the victim was trying to find the vehicle, 25-year-old Isaac Chirinos arrived in the car.  Chirinos then got out and walked away.

Officers found him at a nearby home and arrested him on suspicion of unauthorized use of a propelled vehicle.  He was released from the Lancaster County Jail around 11:30 p.m.

Just over an hour later, officers responded to the Stay Inn near Southwest 20th and West O streets on a report of another vehicle theft.

The victim reported that his wife had taken him to work that morning.  But when she returned, their Chevy Impala was missing.

Around 2 a.m., the victim called officers and said his vehicle had arrived where he works, about 5 miles from where it was taken.

Police said Chirinos was in the driver’s seat.  When Chirinos was confronted, he threw the keys on the ground and walked away.

Officers found Chirinos near 33rd Street and Cornhusker Highway and arrested him on suspicion of felony theft.