On Friday, September 13, 2024, a Paris Police officer received a report of a stolen vehicle from the 2600 block of Lamar Avenue. The victim had left the vehicle running while entering a store. The suspect, identified as Sunnie Amanda Smith, 41, drove off with the car.
The reporting officer reviewed surveillance footage and provided a description of the suspect. The Auto Theft Task Force later identified Sunnie Smith as a possible suspect. That same day, the officer spotted Smith riding a bicycle and wearing the same clothing as seen in the theft video. Smith was detained, and after being questioned by Auto Theft Task Force Officers, she admitted to the theft and indicated where the vehicle could be found.
Smith was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and booked. The car was returned to its owner.