The driver of a stolen van was caught by police Wednesday, after authorities say he attempted to escape in a Lyft car.
Police received a report of a Chrysler Town & Country minivan that had been stolen from a Hollywood Chevron gas station near the 7000 block of Pembroke Road around 9 a.m.
Officers pulled over the vehicle, and the driver ran away while a female passenger stayed behind, unaware the van had been stolen on Sept. 15, according to Miramar police.
A helicopter being used by a local television station spotted the man getting into the Lyft car in Pembroke Pines.
The Lyft driver was unaware of the situation and was not charged with any offense, authorities said.
The helicopter crew gave police a description of the Lyft car and where it was, and Pembroke Pines and Miramar Police officers stopped it near the 6800 block of Pembroke Road.
The suspect was identified as Antonio Fort, 42, of West Park.
Rues said he faces charges of grand theft, resisting arrest without violence; operating a vehicle without a license; driving with a suspended license, third or subsequent offense, and improperly passing on the right.
Fort’s passenger was released after cooperating with police, Rues said.