PITTSBURGH — A man’s car was stolen in less than a minute after he walked into a Sunoco gas station, even though the vehicle’s key fob was in his pocket.
Monica LaRotonda, the victim’s mother, said her son realized he had forgotten to lock the vehicle shortly after stepping inside the store. She explained that the car continues running once started, regardless of how far away the key is.
“You don’t think that somebody stole your car, especially when there are no keys in it!” LaRotonda said.
Shortly after checking surveillance video, he realized his car had been stolen.
The crime happened at the Sunoco on Mifflin Road in Lincoln Place.
Locals questioned how the vehicle was able to drive away without the key fob present. Jim Wenta questioned why the vehicle remained operational.
“That car should have shut off,” Wenta said. “Once it hits so many feet, if that fob is in his pocket and it’s too far away from that car, it should shut down. Why didn’t it?”
Joe Stetor said he initially doubted the story.
“I thought the kid was lying because you shouldn’t be able to leave with that car if the fob is in the guy’s pocket,” Stetor said.
The family is working through next steps regarding vehicle replacement and insurance.
“We’re trying to figure out the next plan,” LaRotonda said. “Like, what do we do? Do we have to buy a new car? What is the insurance going to do? Likr we don’t know what the next step is.”
Now LaRonda is asking for the public’s help after also filing a report with Pittsburgh Police. The car is a 2023 Silver Honda Civic Sport with the license plate number: KSC0816
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