Collier man caught with stolen car after getting help for flat tire

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Michael Hernandez. Photo via the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

NAPLES, Fla. A luxury car thief was arrested Thursday night after getting help for a flat tire on a stolen Mercedes, Collier deputies said.

Michael Hernandez, 21, of Holly Avenue, and a female accomplice allegedly  ransacked a Gulfstar Drive home and stole the Mercedes from the driveway, deputies said.

However, Hernandez parked the car in the middle of U.S. 41 after getting a flat tire, nearly causing an accident. A homeless woman helped Hernandez get the car into the parking lot of Voigt’s Service Center, according to deputies.

The owner of the garage called 911 around 6:45 p.m. after an employee witnessed Hernandez behaving erratically.

Hernandez is in custody facing grand theft auto and burglary charges with a $50,000 bond.

It’s unclear why his accomplice wasn’t arrested.

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