Test drive gone wrong

MANCHESTER, Ky. — A test drive gone wrong ended with two people behind bars Thursday after police say a vehicle from a local car lot was stolen and nearly pawned off for cash.

Christian McNeal, 30, of Veronica Lane, and Loretta Smith, 59, of Granny’s Branch, were both arrested and charged with theft by unlawful taking (auto) over $10,000 following an investigation by Manchester Police.

According to Assistant Police Chief Antonio Dodson and Officer Jarrod Smith, the investigation began when Redmond Used Cars reported a missing maroon Nissan Versa. Salesperson Shane Lewis told officers that Loretta Smith had arrived at the lot to test drive the vehicle but never returned. Lewis also said that McNeal had dropped Smith off in a black truck before leaving the area.

Officers later located the missing vehicle at Smith’s residence on Granny’s Branch. According to the police report, the vehicle's battery had been removed, and officers observed that the license plate had been switched. Investigators allege that McNeal removed the original plate and replaced it with one from his personal vehicle in an attempt to disguise the stolen car.

During questioning, police say Smith admitted she took the vehicle and planned to “pawn it to a friend for a few hundred dollars.”

In addition to the felony theft charge, McNeal was also served with outstanding warrants for a previous theft by unlawful taking charge and non-payment of fines.

Both suspects were taken into custody and lodged in the Clay County Detention Center.

The case remains under investigation.