Suspected Tulsa Car Burglar Takes GPS, Leaves Burning Cigarette

A man who stole a GPS unit from a Tulsa car left a calling card in the form of a lit cigarette, according to Tulsa Police. The cigarette provided evidence that helped officers arrest Alexander Rodriguez Saturday night.

Tulsa police say officers were flagged down at about 11 p.m. in the 12600 block of East 31st Street where they were told about a car burglary. Police got a description of the suspect who reportedly stole a GPS unit out of a maroon GMC Yukon parked in the Friendly Tavern parking lot.

They found the suspect, 31-year-old Rodriguez, at a nearby QuikTrip. They learned he had an outstanding warrant and took him into custody.

After being handcuffed, Rodriguez ran from the police but was caught in the middle of 31st Street, according to an arrest report.

Police found a GPS in some bushes where Rodriguez had been standing and a set of car keys in his pocket.

When police talked to the burglary victim, he identified the keys and the GPS unit. He told police someone had broken the passenger windows and stole both items from the SUV.

He also told police that a lit cigarette left on the passenger seat had burned a hole in the upholstery. Officers found the same brand of cigarettes in Rodriguez's pocket.

Rodriguez was booked into the Tulsa Jail on complaints of second degree burglary, knowingly concealing stolen property, escape from arrest and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant.