June 30 -- A University of Pennsylvania police car was allegedly stolen from R & K Towing on 3200 Vare Avenue in the early morning hours. The vehicle, which had been left secured in the shop's garage after being dropped off for repairs, was reportedly broken into and jump started.
According to Penn Chief of Police Tom Rambo, the suspect had unsuccessfully attempted to break into several other vehicles and start them prior to jump starting the police car.
"An individual broke into the shop climbing the fences, tried to get into numerous cars, and then broke into the police car and was able to start it," Rambo said.
Afterwards, the suspect drove the car outside of the garage and through two fences surrounding the property.
Rambo said that a security guard at a nearby Sunoco gas station reported the break-in to the Philadelphia Police.
"One of the security persons at Sunoco observed the guy hopping the fence, and the Philadelphia Police were notified," Rambo said. "They pulled up as he was breaking through the fence and taking off."
The suspect then led the Philadelphia Police on a car chase through the city, which ended up in West Philadelphia.
"The Philadelphia Police chased the vehicle in the area around Sunoco Oil, and the suspect was stopped on the 4700 block of Woodland Avenue," Rambo said.
Upon stopping the stolen vehicle, the suspect reportedly tried to flee the scene, although the Philadelphia Police almost immediately caught him.
Kyle Raines, a 36 year-old Philadelphia resident, was arrested. According to Rambo, Raines has a record of numerous prior arrests.
While Raines allegedly struck a Philadelphia Police car with the stolen automobile, no significant injuries were reported. Rambo added that Raines' motive was undetermined.
The incident is being handled by Detective Mundy of the Philadelphia Police Departments' South Detective Division. Mundy was unavailable to be reached to comment on the event at the time of publication.
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