Accused car thief sought by Michigan State Police

4/17/2005

MONROE Michigan State Police are seeking the public s help in nabbing a Monroe-area man who is accused of being a car thief with an unusual habit: Driving stolen vehicles from one car dealership to another.

The suspect, identified as Richard Kyler Wright, 48, has been sought by the Michigan Department of Corrections for parole absconding.

State police said he has stolen at least seven vehicles from car dealerships in Monroe, Wash-tenaw, Wayne, Macomb, and St. Clair counties since April 5. Most have been used pickup trucks.

His typical mode of operation has been to talk car salesmen into letting him take out a pickup for a test drive, even after failing to produce identification, state police said.

Mr. Wright was last known to be staying in various Monroe County motels, but also is believed to have lived in Wayne County at various times.