Atascadero Man Sentenced in Vehicle Theft Case Tracked Across State Lines
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA — In October 2024, local authorities requested the public’s assistance in identifying an individual captured on surveillance footage stealing a bottle of water from a Chevron gas station on Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR). Subsequent investigation revealed that shortly after the initial incident, the same individual allegedly crossed the street and stole a recently delivered vehicle from a nearby dealership.
The suspect was later identified as 46 year old Charles Scovell, a resident of Atascadero. Law enforcement tracked the stolen vehicle across state lines, and Scovell remained in possession of the vehicle several months later.
According to officials, Scovell was ultimately located and detained by a Nebraska State Trooper during a routine traffic stop. At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly still driving the stolen truck and wearing the same shirt and shoes seen in the surveillance footage from the October incident.
Following his apprehension, Scovell was extradited to San Luis Obispo County to face charges related to the vehicle theft. Legal proceedings concluded this week with Scovell accepting a plea agreement. He was sentenced to two years and eight months in state prison.
Authorities acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to Scovell’s identification and arrest, crediting the Nebraska State Patrol for its role in the resolution of the case.
