27-year-old arrested within hour of car theft, suspect possibly involved in other crimes

Hoover police arrested a 27-year-old car theft suspect less than an hour after responding to a call on Saturday.

Police arrived at Automotive and Truck Doctor on Lorna Road Nov. 12 around 6:40 p.m. The victim, who is also the owner of the business, said he parked his 2005 Cadillac Escalade in the business’s parking lot and left the vehicle unattended while he went to another car in the lot, according to a release from Hoover PD. As he was returning to his car, the victim saw a man get into the car and drive away.

The victim's keys were in the car, said Hoover PD Lt. Keith Czeskleba.

"We would like to remind citizens to be aware of their surroundings while in public places, especially at night," Czeskleba said.

The car was located on Colonade Parkway at 7:15 p.m. The suspect, later identified as Christopher Scott Wiggins of Vestavia Hills, fled the car on foot. He was captured after a brief foot chase. Warrants were obtained on Monday, Nov. 14, and Wiggins was charged with first degree property theft. His bond was set at $15,000.

"The officers that responded did a great job of taking the information that was available and getting it out to other officers in the area," Czeskleba said. "Great teamwork led to a quick resolution in this case."

Wiggins will be transferred to Jefferson County Jail on Monday afternoon. He is also a suspect in other crimes in the area, according to police, and anyone with information about illegal activity involving Wiggins can contact Detective Ed Leach at 739-6071 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at 254-7777.