To the editor:

On Thursday, Nov. 12, I had a car stolen from my car store — broad daylight, open hours, my mechanic and I both on site. I had a car warming up for a test drive scheduled soon. The perp (I’ve read some crime novels) cased my area and, when I went inside, casually jumped into the car and drove away.

Upon calling 911, I had an immediate police response of several officers and two plain-clothed detectives. Luckily, there were two security surveillance cameras viewing the area of the theft so the officers and detectives had an immediate description of the thief.

Within 30 minutes, the car was located, parked not far away, luckily undamaged. However, the car thief was gone from the area. I was able to retrieve my auto quite quickly. Within another 30 minutes, an officer returned to let me know the thief was apprehended. Turns out he was walking down Sixth Street, not far away and, upon being recognized, took off running.

The two detectives, a female and a male, heroically gave chase ACROSS Sixth Street in afternoon traffic, tackled, struggled with and ultimately handcuffed the suspect. Due to rapid and incredibly efficient service from our Lawrence Police Department, I got my car back, the suspect is in jail and I sold the car that afternoon!

Thanks to our local law enforcement for another job well done.