Photo: Joann Mari Alley
Santa Barbara County – If there were a book entitled “How to Steal a Car,” the opening chapters might inform the reader of the need to have foot speed adequate to successfully escape when confronted with an angry car owner.
Apparently 58-year-old Orcutt resident Joann Mari Alley wasn’t aware of that fundamental guideline just after midnight on the morning of April 26th she was surprised by the appearance of the owner of the vehicle she was attempting to steal. The victim, who immediately informed law enforcement in a 911 Emergency call that he found Alley in the front seat of his car, was soon forced to give chase as Alley took off running.
According to Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Kellly Hoover, during the foot chase, Alley “threatened to stab the victim” who was apparently undaunted as the pursuit continued through the Orcutt residential neighborhood. As responding patrol deputies arrived on the scene, the victim caught their attention and pointed to the backyard where Alley had fled.
Shortly thereafter, Alley was brought to bay and taken into custody. The immediately ensuing investigation revealed evidence “connecting Alley to the theft of a wallet from another victim in the area,” leading detectives to suspect her involvement in a residential burglary that took place the week prior in a nearby neighborhood, as well as additional “prowling and theft offenses in the area.”
Alley was transported to Santa Barbara County Jail, where she was charged with auto burglary, residential burglary, and evading arrest with her bail set at $75,000.
Photo: Courtesy Santa Barbara County Jail Booking
