Attempted vehicle theft leads to crash, charges against Richmond man

RICHMOND, Ind. — An attempt to steal a pickup truck resulted in a crash and felony charges against a Richmond man.

Richmond police said Joshua Michael Moore, 35, on July 13 tried to take a vehicle that had been left outside Allen Painting, 921 Sheridan St.

According to an affidavit, the owner of the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado jumped onto the side of his vehicle as Allen tried to drive it away, and managed to grab the steering wheel.

The truck then crashed into a tree, and its owner was thrown under the vehicle. Police said that man was taken by ambulance to Reid Hospital for injuries that included road rash on an arm, leg and ankle.

Moore — described as having "brown hair in a ponytail or bun" — was identified after investigators reviewed surveillance video that showed the incident.

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When he was taken into custody a short time later at his home, Moore had "very recently shaved his head," an officer wrote.

A mountain bicycle Moore was reportedly seen riding in the video was also found at his home.

The Richmond man was charged last week in Wayne Superior Court 2 with attempted robbery, a Level 3 felony carrying up to 16 years in prison, and attempted auto theft, a Level 6 felony with a maximum 30-month sentence.

Prosecutors have also accused Moore was being a habitual offender, a status that could lengthen any prison term he receives if convicted of the pending charges.

According to court records, Moore has been convicted of driving while intoxicated, neglect of a dependent, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a handgun without a license (twice) and possession of a narcotic drug.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Attempted vehicle theft leads to crash, charges against Richmond man