Local

Deputies: Man stole 14 cars from 14 dealerships

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County investigators said a man is responsible for a string of car thefts at more than a dozen car dealerships.

"I've seen a lot of things in this neighborhood before," said car salesman Louis Sierra, "Never, never like that."

Sierra said he is surprised at what Izale Chappell, 19, is accused of.

Investigators said Chappell stole a car from Sierra. But that's not all. They said he was able to take off in 14 different cars, from 14 different dealers, and all with sales people standing there.
   
"He looked relaxed, he looked like he was just looking for a car," said Sierra.

Sierra said he didn't think anything unusual when Chappell came to the lot, interested in a truck.

"He was like, 'Hey can I see what it sounds like?' this and that, and I was like, 'Yeah.' I was standing right here and I handed him the keys," said Sierra.

Sierra said Chappell immediately put the truck in gear.   

Sierra said when he tried to stop Chappell he closed the truck door and locked it

Investigators said a week later Chappell took a car from a dealership across the street from Sierra's.
 
Despite being picked out of a photo lineup by 14 sales people, Chappell told WFTV reporter Renee Stoll on Monday night that he is innocent.

"You've got detectives like, 'Yeah, we're trying to bring this guy down, so we just need you to say this him, we just need you to agree,'" said Chappell.

Car salesman Frank Theard of Signature Motors USA said he had no problem identifying Chappell. He said Chappell drove off with a car when his back was turned.

"Next thing you know, he just peeled the tires, he's gone," said Theard. "If I had followed him a little bit closer he probably would have run my foot over."

Chappell is being held in the Orange County Jail.