Man Tries to Steal a Camaro From a Missoula Car Lot

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 1, 2023, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to a car lot in the 2200 block of W. Broadway for the report of a male attempting to drive off in one of their vehicles. The male was later identified as 51-year-old Daniel Alewel.  

Dispatch advised that Alewel climbed into a Chevrolet Camaro and attempted to drive the car off the lot without contacting staff members. Dispatch also advised that Alewel had tattoos on his arms and was last seen wearing a gray tee shirt, blue jeans, and wearing a baseball cap.  

The officer was advised that Alewel then started walking eastbound on Broadway. The officer observed a male walking on W. Broadway that matched the provided description. The officer activated his lights and advised the male to stop. Officers on the scene identified Alewel based on prior contacts.  

The officer asked Alewel if he was at the car lot recently. Alewel advised that he was “going for a test drive” but didn’t have his driver’s license. Alewel then stated that he got into the car and started driving off the lot.  

Alewel stated he planned on going to the Poverello to get a sacked lunch and then to the bank to acquire money. According to court documents, Alewel said that he knew he did not have permission from the employees to drive the vehicle.  

The officer asked Alewel how he got the keys and he stated, “They were just dangling in it” and then continued to say, “it was like they were there for me to take it”. Alewel again admitted to not asking the employees for consent to test drive the vehicle prior to driving off the lot and said that he "made a mistake".  

Another officer spoke to an employee of the car lot who stated the vehicle was being sold for $17,000. The employee also supplied the officer with the Carfax, which valued the vehicle at over $9,000. 

Alewel was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony attempted theft.

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.