A daring incident unfolded at Arlington Auto Yard Staff & Truck Wrecking in Akron when a forklift driver apprehended a man attempting to burglarize one of their SUVs. Faced with recurrent challenges of theft targeting catalytic converters and salvage parts, the business decided to take matters into its own hands. Discovering the intruder passed out in the backseat, the forklift driver swiftly elevated the car 20 feet into the air, thwarting any escape until the police arrived.
The unconventional citizen’s arrest was accompanied by a humorous emergency call to Akron 911, where the operator was informed of the situation. The suspect, wearing a mask, remained unidentified. The operator, amused by the creativity, assured assistance.
Auto Yard Staff
Akron police promptly responded to the scene, and the forklift lowered the car. Body camera footage captured the subsequent arrest, identifying the individual as 26-year-old Alexander Funk. This wasn’t Funk’s first encounter with the business, having been caught twice before, the first time escaping with a warning.
On inspection, the police found Funk in possession of tools, including a sawzall cutting tool, blades, and other hand tools, allegedly intended for copper theft. With a criminal history that includes trespassing, drug abuse, and entering condemned buildings, Funk is now facing new charges for trespassing and possession of criminal tools.
The incident highlights the frustration faced by businesses dealing with theft and the extreme measures taken to protect their property, leading to a blend of vigilante justice and police intervention.”
