Local

Couple stole engagement ring from Value Pawn

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando detectives said a couple stole an engagement ring from Value Pawn on South Semoran Boulevard.

Channel 9 exclusively spoke to the cab driver who helped police take down the criminals who tried to use her as a getaway driver.

The cab driver said she had no idea what they were doing. The cabbie said the couple was going to pay her extra to wait back behind the store.

When she pulled up to the front to check on them, the two allegedly tried to run away.

Cab driver Lisa Vitek has driven her share of characters, but this week was the first time two of them tried to make her a getaway driver for a jewelry heist.

"Oh, I don't ever want to do that a second time. No, no thanks," Vitek said.

Leanna Barker and Ricky Marcano had Vitek park behind the Value Pawn.

Little did Vitek know, inside the couple was pretending to buy an engagement ring.

Vitek said she became suspicious, so she drove around front. That's when she spotted Marcano running north on Semoran Boulevard toward Sedano's Supermarket.

Marcano allegedly ran off with the stolen ring, so Vitek called the Mears operator, who called 911.

After the excitement, Vitek got a call for a pickup down the street at the Grove Park Apartments.

Marcano was waiting when she pulled up.

"I didn't let him in the car because I didn't want to be involved in it," Vitek said.

Vitek said Marcano flagged down another cab.

Mears used GPS so Orlando police could track it down. After they arrested Marcano he tried to run again.

The officers used a Taser on him before he could reach the end of the parking lot.

Barker had already been caught at the Value Pawn.

Although Vitek is glad she helped the cops catch the suspects, she said she should have never let him in.

She also said she's never waiting behind a building again.

"You live and learn, right? I learned the hard way," Vitek said.

Barker was released, but Marcano is still in jail without bond.