CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — A man was arrested on September 23, 2024, after authorities located a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of Wal-Mart, following a report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).
Dispatch received a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) notification regarding the stolen vehicle traveling north on US-23. OSHP later confirmed that the vehicle had been parked at Wal-Mart and requested additional support.
Upon arrival, officers staged in the parking lot while gathering more information. Lt. Caplinger from OSHP met with Pickaway County Sheriff’s officials, including Sheriff Haffey. Detective Bailey reported that a suspicious male, later identified as Jacob Dulaney, had been pointed out by store employees.
Dulaney had reportedly been in the store since the vehicle’s last sighting. Officers made contact with him in the customer service area. He claimed he was waiting for a wire transfer from his father in Kentucky. As the investigation continued, Dulaney was asked to exit the store for questioning.
During a search, officers found two vehicle key fobs—one for a KIA and another for a Ford—along with a wallet and a magnet commonly used to remove anti-theft devices. Dulaney was read his Miranda rights, and when questioned, it was revealed that one of the key fobs was compatible with the stolen vehicle.
Security footage confirmed Dulaney’s presence at Wal-Mart shortly after the vehicle arrived. He was seen exiting the driver’s side of the car before entering the store.
When confronted about the vehicle, Dulaney claimed he was trying to escape from individuals in Kentucky and was unsure how he ended up at Wal-Mart. He was arrested for receiving stolen property and taken to the Pickaway County Jail, where he is being held pending an initial court appearance.
The stolen vehicle has been towed to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.