Marina police arrest suspected tire thief

Marina police officers arrested a man last night on suspicion of stealing tires from parked cars.

Officers were dispatched around 8 p.m. to the Marina Dunes Shopping Center where a Kohl’s Department Store employee saw a man pull up to a pickup in the parking lot and lower the spare tire from under the truck bed using a tool. The suspect then cut the cable holding the spare tire and stole it.

The employee kept watching the man and called police, who arrested him as he was in the process of attempting to steal another spare tire from a different truck.

Michael Lucas, 33, of Upland was arrested on suspicion of vehicle tampering, possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools. He also was found to be in possession of a controlled substance, in violation of his probation and there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Lucas also had two additional tires in his possession, which police believe were stolen from other vehicles.

Marina Police is asking people that have been at the Marina Dunes Shopping Center to check to see if their spare tire is missing. If your tire is missing, Marina police ask that you call 884-1210.