Minnesota Man Steals Car During Traffic Stop While Driver Takes Sobriety Test

A man in St. Paul, identified as 39-year-old Kyle Stuart Vanwert, allegedly stole a car during a traffic stop while the driver was performing roadside sobriety tests. St. Paul Police later apprehended the suspect that same evening.

When Did This Happen?

The incident occurred just after 6 p.m. on Sunday when police stopped a vehicle near the 800 block of West 7th Street for suspected drunk driving. While the female driver was undergoing sobriety tests, Vanwert reportedly jumped into the vehicle and drove off, according to St. Paul Police Sgt. Mike Ernster.

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How Did Police Track The Stolen Car?

Fortunately, the car was equipped with an AirTag tracking device, which allowed officers to quickly locate the stolen vehicle. With the assistance of Richfield and Bloomington police, the car was found near Nicollet Avenue and 77th Street in Richfield. Vanwert was arrested and booked into Ramsey County Jail, where he remained as of Monday.

The driver of the stolen car was later cleared of any alcohol-related charges and was reunited with her vehicle.

What Happened To The Car Thief?

Vanwert, who has a history of legal troubles, had been charged with first-degree burglary in April after allegedly causing property damage at the Dorothy Day Residence, where he lived. He was accused of using a hammer to break into another resident’s apartment. Vanwert was granted conditional release in September after posting a $10,000 bail, on the condition that he would enter an in-patient treatment program. His attorney did not provide a comment on Monday regarding the ongoing case.