A Cortland County Test Drive Takes a Bad Turn

(Story written by Alexa Zbytniewski, WNBF News)

A Cortland County man is facing a felony charge and other counts after allegedly attempting to steal a car.

Cortland County Sheriff’s Deputies say at 2:46 p.m. June 9, 31 year old Kahari Thomas of Homer met with the owner of the vehicle who had listed the car for sale.

After asking the owner to be allowed to test drive, the owner and Thomas got out of the vehicle to switch drivers and Thomas reportedly jumped in the drivers seat and took off, leaving the owner standing on the side of Wolf Road in Homer.

After a short distance, Thomas lost control of the car and hit a ditch, causing the vehicle to roll over onto its roof.

Thomas suffered minor cuts to the face and was treated at the Cortland Regional Medical Center.

The car was a total loss.

 Authorities say that Thomas had been wanted for having a stolen a license plate and that he was wanted on a New York State Parole violation.

Thomas was charged with Felony Grand Larceny, as well as misdemeanor counts of Criminal Mischief and Criminal Possession of Stolen property. He was also ticketed for numerous vehicle and traffic citations.

He was sent to the Cortland County Jail without bail.