Car's poor condition doesn't keep it from being stolen

A theft victim described his 1988 Buick LeSabre as having rust spots on the roof, and the light blue paint was falling off in places. The ignition switch was damaged, and the doors no longer could lock. He valued the car at just $500.

That did not stop it from being stolen by a woman who posed as her identical twin.

At 2 p.m. Nov. 6, the car's owner parked the vehicle outside Isle Casino Cape Girardeau, and four hours later, it was gone, according to a probable-cause statement from Cape Girardeau police officer Johnny Spencer.

"He had to leave the keys inside the vehicle in the ignition due to the ignition switch being damaged," Spencer wrote.

The casino's surveillance manager showed Spencer a surveillance video on which a woman in a gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans could be seen entering the victim's vehicle, Spencer wrote.

The suspect used a driver's license from Ashley N. McGuirk. Spencer said McGuirk was already in custody in Dunklin County, but she has a twin sister, Heather Leaann Mattox, 36, of Cape Girardeau.

Spencer contacted Mattox on Saturday, and she confessed to Spencer she had stolen the vehicle but returned it to the casino, Spencer wrote. Spencer said police were unable to find the car.

Mattox was arrested Saturday and charged with stealing a motor vehicle.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3844

Pertinent address: 777 Main St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.