HomeTopicsBusinessInept criminals sentenced to prison for attempting to steal a truck they...

Inept criminals sentenced to prison for attempting to steal a truck they couldn’t drive

These two criminals could have taken some advice from the old saying, don’t bite off more than you can chew. A man identified with the surname Zelaya (or Zeleya, in different police statements) and another surnamed Reyes were sentenced to six and fours years in prison, respectively, for stealing a truck they couldn’t drive, according to a statement from the Public Security Ministry onWednesday.

On Sept. 12, police on Rohrmoser Boulevard in western San José said they heard the grinding sound of someone who didn’t know how to start a truck, according to a statement last month from the ministry. When cops approached the vehicle, they recognized Zelaya behind the wheel, who was known to police for having committed several robberies in Pavas. He also had two outstanding warrants and no driver’s license when police arrested him red-handed. Later that day, police captured Zelaya’s accomplice, Reyes, who also had priors for robbery. Both were remanded to a flagrancy court in Pavas.

The driver of the targeted truck told police, “That man definitely did not know how to drive, and I have no idea how it occurred to him to steal my truck, because he wouldn’t have moved a meter.”

Trending Now

Human Trafficking Cases Reach 16-Year High in Costa Rica

Costa Rica recorded 83 human trafficking victims in 2025, the highest number reported in any single year since at least 2010, according to figures...

Costa Rica Pauses School Rebuild Over Possible Archaeological Site

Costa Rica's National Museum sent an archaeologist to a rural high school in Pérez Zeledón yesterday after construction crews rebuilding the campus turned up...

Costa Rica’s Two-Century Fight to Keep Its Orchids

For nearly two centuries, Costa Rica's forests have drawn collectors chasing the same prize. It has one of the richest orchid floras on the...

Costa Rica Tourism Loses 20,000 Jobs as Strong Colón Squeezes Small Operators

Costa Rica's tourism sector employs 20,137 fewer people than two years ago, with microbusinesses hit hardest as the strong colón erodes margins.

Water Rationing Hits 74 Communities as El Niño Dries Out Costa Rica’s Pacific Side

If you live on Costa Rica's northern Pacific side, your tap may already be running on a schedule. Community water systems in 74 communities...

OAS Countries Seek October Meeting to Consider Measures Against Nicaragua

A group of five countries in the Organization of American States (OAS) is proposing that the region’s foreign ministers meet on October 2 to...

Costa Rica Velodrome Shows Damage Less Than Two Weeks After Upgrade

Less than two weeks after reopening following more than ₡105 million (about $219,000) in repairs, the velodrome at Parque de La Paz in southern...

Five More Arrested as Costa Rica Steps Up Sea Turtle Protection at Ostional

Five more people have been detained during sea turtle protection operations at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge in Guanacaste, bringing the number of people arrested...

New Costa Rica Law Requires Wildlife Crossings on Public Infrastructure

Costa Rica now has a law requiring wildlife crossings on public infrastructure projects, but the regulation that will actually put it into practice could...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel