Ooltewah man arrested after auto burglary spree, HCSO says

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Cash, credit, and debit cards, backpacks, and a laptop were stolen in a spree of auto-burglaries.

Unlocked vehicles in the Font Gate neighborhood in Ooltewah were targeted.

In an affidavit obtained by Local 3 News, it reads that 24-year-old Khalil Sivels and his Black Acura were seen on security footage using stolen cards at multiple gas stations.

Sivels spent over $70 on tobacco products and other items.

A neighbor's video showed a dark colored vehicle that matched the description of Sivels' car.

Sivels denied leaving his home the night of the burglaries and says he has not driven the Black Acura for a year.

However, during a search warrant obtained by a deputy, they found the stolen cards, Sivels's driver's license, and paperwork with Sivels's name on it inside the Black Acura.
All four vehicles were left unlocked. It's important to take these simple steps to prevent you from becoming a victim:

• Lock all doors to your vehicle.
• Remove valuable items.
• Hide valuable items out of sight.
• Keep your keys secured.

According to an affidavit, Sivels has a $12,500 bond.

He is scheduled to appear in court on these charges on Wednesday, March 11th.


PREVIOUS STORY: A 24-year-old Ooltewah man is facing charges after a string of auto burglaries near Front Gate Circle in Ooltewah, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says.
HCSO said in a release that the suspect entered four cars and stole the following items on Friday, January 16:

• Wallet
• Credit/debit cards
• Sports equipment
• Backpack
• Laptop
• Cash (the agency did not say how much)

Deputies investigated further and located the suspect, later identified as Khalil Sivels. HCSO says they obtained a search warrant for his home and car.

Their search revealed the stolen items listed above, as well as some marijuana.

Sivels faces the following charges:

• Identity theft
• Burglary of an auto (four counts)
• Theft of property under $1,000
• Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card under $1,000 (two counts)
• Simple possession of marijuana

According to an affidavit, Sivels has a $12,500 bond.
 
He is scheduled to appear in court on these charges on Wednesday, March 11, but is due to appear before then on different theft and burglary charges on Thursday, February 26, according to online court records.