Man arrested after allegedly stealing family friend’s truck, lying to police

Ryan Patrick Mobley, 27, was arrested Sunday for allegedly stealing a family friend’s pickup truck.

Officers pulled Mobley over at 7:30 a.m. Sunday after he ran a red light at West Third Street and North College Avenue, Bloomington Police Department Sgt. Jeff Canada said.

When officers approached the vehicle, Canada said Mobley was acting “overly friendly.”

When officers asked Mobley his name he said he was Shane — the name of his brother. He also told police he was driving to get doughnuts for himself and his father, Canada said.

But when Mobley gave police a different name than what appeared on the black 2010 GM pickup’s registration, Canada said police became suspicious.

Then, as police continued to ask questions, Canada said Mobley’s attitude changed.

The man became nervous and stopped answering questions directed from police.
Police contacted the man who appears on the truck’s registration. While he told police he knew Mobley, he said he should not be driving his truck.

Police also reported Mobley kept reaching toward the side of his waist. He later allegedly exposed a hypodermic needle and a spoon.
 
When police asked Mobley to vacate the vehicle, he allegedly started the truck’s engine. Before Mobley could shift the vehicle into gear, Canada said police forcibly removed him.

Mobley is charged with vehicle theft, possession of a hypodermic needle, falsely identifying himself as his brother, disregarding the red light and driving with a suspended license.

— Mark Keierleber