Tioga, LA (10/30/2024) – An arrest was made in a stolen vehicle case after a suspect failed to return a car from a test drive according RPSO.
Patrol Deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at a local business on the 5000 block of LA 3225 in Tioga on October 22, 2024. The complainant stated that a woman, Jessica Tayler Harvey from Channelview, TX, requested to test drive the vehicle and did not return it.
Sheriff’s Detectives from the Tioga Substation conducted the investigation, gathering video footage and images of Harvey and another suspect. Based on their findings, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Harvey, who was later located and taken into custody without incident. Harvey was charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle > $5,000 < $25,000.
A computer check revealed that Harvey had an outstanding felony warrant in Harris County, TX, and she remains in custody awaiting extradition proceedings. Detectives also identified the second suspect as Gage Michael Kittinger, 26, of Pineville, LA, who reportedly drove the vehicle that transported Harvey to the business.
Following an anonymous tip, deputies located the stolen vehicle at a residence on LA Hwy 8 in Flatwoods. When they arrived, Kittinger fled in the stolen vehicle, leading deputies on a high-speed chase into southern Natchitoches Parish. The chase ended in a crash, and Kittinger escaped on foot. The vehicle was recovered and returned to its owner.
Kittinger remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Felony warrants have been issued for his arrest, including charges for Theft of a Motor Vehicle > $5,000 < $25,000, Criminal Conspiracy, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, and Simple Criminal Damage to Property > $1,000 < $50,000.
This investigation remains active, and detectives urge anyone with information about Kittinger’s whereabouts to contact Detective Matt Dauzat at the Tioga Substation (318-641-6005) or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.
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