A recent incident in Cochise County, Arizona, served as a reminder that sometimes real life can be far more wild and unbelievable than what can be found in video games or movies. A man, later identified as Isaiah Walker, allegedly hijacked an entire car carrier transporting ten C8 Corvettes, collectively valued at over $1.25 million. Fortunately, the truck driver was not harmed during the incident and the truck was recovered without any damage to the sports cars.
Now before your thoughts run wild with images of a Gone In 60 Seconds character making off with a truckload of new Corvettes to be sold on the black market, the real story is actually much less exciting. Walker’s motive wasn’t to make off with the luxurious vehicles. Rather, reports suggest that he simply needed a means of transportation after being released from prison. According to details provided by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Department, the events unfolded at the Wilcox Loves Truck Stop.
Seemingly taking advantage of a moment of vulnerability, Walker engaged in conversation with the truck driver to put him at ease before abruptly seizing control of the vehicle when the truck driver was getting back into the truck. According to the Sheriff’s Department, Walker threw the truck driver to the ground, climbed into it, and made off with the truck and its precious cargo. Despite the alarming nature of the situation, fortunately, no injuries were reported during the ensuing police pursuit.
Remarkably, the stolen car carrier, with its valuable cargo intact, was swiftly located by law enforcement. It turns out, as no surprise, that a car hauler with ten new C8 Corvettes is spotted easily and is not an ideal vehicle to flee law enforcement in. Following a brief attempt to evade capture by a Cochise Sheriff’s Deputy and a Wilcox Police Officer, Walker was apprehended on County Line Road. Subsequently, he was booked into Cochise County jail on charges including robbery, theft of means of transportation, and felony theft. Once in custody, Walker claimed that he had no intentions of stealing the Corvettes, but rather he only needed a ride home after being released from prison.
“I am extremely proud of the officer and deputy involved in this investigation,” said Cochise Police Chief Dale Hadfield. “The deputy and officer showed great restraint and patience in bringing a serious crime to a peaceful resolution, all while keeping the property of others from being damaged. The stolen vehicle was safely recovered without damage and was released to the driver so he could continue his delivery. Again, I thank the officer and deputy who were involved in this investigation for keeping our citizens safe.”
Reflecting on this incident, it serves as a poignant reminder that there are alternative solutions to transportation needs. Getting an Uber or Lyft ride, or phoning a friend or family member may be much less exciting than what happened in this situation, but it won’t land you in jail.
