Toledo man arrested for stealing bicycle after leaving court

6/29/2007

When Quentin Snow Veley left the Lucas County Courthouse Wednesday, he, just moments before, had been given a month to prepare for his pending trial on a felony charge of receiving stolen property.

He also, apparently, needed a way to get home.

The 19-year-old Toledo man was arrested shortly after leaving the courthouse for stealing a mountain bike that had been left unattended outside. He was back in court yesterday, arraigned in Toledo Municipal Court on a misdemeanor theft charge.

"In the eight years I've been here, for someone to leave a courtroom on a theft charge to then steal a bike, it's one of the most ridiculous things I've ever seen," said courthouse Deputy Greg Buck, who along with Deputy Paul Brady, made the arrest.

According to a report filed by courthouse deputies, Mr. Veley was seen taking a bicycle that was left unlocked on the Michigan Street side of the courthouse building. Deputies immediately suspected Mr. Veley was not the bike's rightful owner: They had just arrested the 70-year-old who owned the bike after he allegedly showed up outside the courthouse with a bag of drugs. He also was wanted on outstanding warrants.

After chasing Mr. Veley on foot for a short distance, the courthouse deputies flagged down a Lucas County sheriff's deputy car to catch up with him. They arrested him shortly after.

Mr. Veley was booked at the Lucas County jail after his arrest and released on his own recognizance.

Attorney Jimmie Jones, who is representing Mr. Veley in the felony case before Judge James Jensen, said he has not been retained to defend him in his misdemeanor charge. He declined to comment on the charge.

Mr. Veley was indicted in February on one count of receiving stolen property after he was allegedly found inside a stolen vehicle. He is scheduled to return Aug. 1 to Common Pleas Court for the trial in his felony charge.

Assistant Prosecutor Michael Bohner, who is prosecuting the case, said he learned of the new theft charge shortly after leaving the courtroom.

"I think it's interesting that he is in court for a felony theft offense and on his way out, he steals a bike in front of court deputies," he said.

Court deputies said Mr. Veley first denied he took the bike and then offered the excuse that he "had a far way to go."

He told deputies he needed a ride because the man he had arrived at court with also was taken into custody on a different matter.