Manitou Student’s Car Stolen, Involved in Police Chase

Sita Ahlen, Reporter

A parked car was hit during the chase.
A parked car was hit during the chase.

You may have seen the plethora of news articles or even the interview on KKTV 11 about Connor Cupit’s (11) stolen Honda Accord.

On Sunday, November 9th, Cupit was at the car wash when a man, later identified as Anthony Aurelio, climbed in the driver’s seat.

“I was vacuuming the back seat, and he got into the front seat and said, ‘either you drop me off outside of town or I leave.’ ”

Aurelio let the teen enter the car, and then claimed he was a narcotics officer for the police. Connor Cupit left the car after given this information. “Then he gave me his wallet and a note for his wife, in hopes that I’d trust him.”

The high-speed chase started at the car wash on Manitou Ave and ended on 67 near Divide. The man hit three cars along the way, and in the end veered off the road into a ditch.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40 to 50 percent of stolen cars are a result of owner mistakes or oversights. Always lock your car, and avoid keeping a spare key inside. Never leave your car running, and make sure your windows are rolled up. If your vehicle has been stolen, immediately call the police and file a stolen vehicle report.