Woman Steals Car From Sapulpa Garage Sale Customer, Police Say

Sapulpa police officers arrested a woman they say stole a car, took officers on a chase and crashed it into a police car.

They said it’s a “crime of convenience” and that Valerie Watkins stole the car as the victim checked out a garage sale at Elm and Cleveland.

Jordan Ascencio said she was looking for cabinets for her dad, but her plans changed moments after getting out of her car.

"I turned back around and my car was gone," she said.

Ascencio said it happened fast, and her car quickly ended up at Line Avenue and 3rd Street after a short chase with police.

Lieutenant Troy Foreman with Sapulpa police said, "The pursuit lasted probably about two minutes, maybe less than a mile."

It ended after police say Watkins ran into a police car at about 10 or 15 miles per hour.

Foreman said, "She turned into the officer, and when she did, it caused her to spin out and turn around and come back the opposite direction."

The lieutenant said Officer Stephen Zamudio is okay, and Watkins went to a hospital to get checked.

Ascencio is okay too, but now she’s more aware of how convenient she made things for Watkins.

"Jumped out of my car, left it running, left everything in it," she said. "My purse, my phone, everything."

She said she won't make the same mistake again.

"She jumped in and quietly left. She didn't peel out, so I had no idea. When I turned around it was just gone, so I wouldn't leave my keys in my car ever again," Ascencio said.

Ascencio said she paid off her car one week ago.

She said everyone can learn from what happened to her, and said, no matter where you are, or how quick you think your errand will be, don't leave your car running unattended.