GTA Comes to Life: Panhandler Charged with Car Theft and Kidnapping Attempt

A bizarre incident unfolded at a Maricopa gas station Wednesday night, leading to the arrest of a panhandler who amassed 14 criminal charges. The Maricopa Police Department reported that Warren A. Elder, 25, attempted to escape from law enforcement by stealing a truck and taking its passenger hostage.

According to a probable-cause statement, Elder was asked to leave Circle K, located at 18141 N. John Wayne Parkway. When the employees called the police to remove him, Elder refused to comply, prompting law enforcement to arrive and initiate a trespassing procedure.

At the gas station, officers were executing a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado, investigating the driver outside the vehicle. Meanwhile, Elder allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat of the truck. Eyewitnesses reported that he grabbed the steering wheel and gear stick, attempting to drive away. Police quickly intervened, removing him from the vehicle and placing him in handcuffs.

Both the truck’s driver and passenger were left “visibly shaken” by the ordeal. The passenger recounted that Elder attempted to switch gears and turn onto John Wayne Parkway during the theft attempt.

After being read his rights, Elder provided a false name to the officers. Subsequently, he was booked into the Pinal County jail on a staggering array of charges, including auto theft, kidnapping, and numerous counts of disorderly conduct. If convicted on all charges, he faces a presumptive sentence of over 72 years.