The streets of Pensacola, Florida, were quiet in the early morning hours, but a group of men, including an off-duty deputy, were about to turn the peace into chaos. Their joyride in a stolen city UTV, captured on police bodycam footage, quickly turned into a lesson in accountability.
The incident unfolded when a witness observed the men joyriding in the UTV. Recognizing the vehicle as belonging to the City of Pensacola, the witness immediately contacted the authorities, providing a description of the suspects and the direction they were headed.
Responding officers quickly located the UTV and initiated a traffic stop. Inside the vehicle were three men, one of whom was later identified as Danny Contreras, a Baldwin County deputy.
As seen in the bodycam footage, the officers questioned each suspect individually. Contreras, initially hesitant to provide a truthful account, claimed that an unidentified city employee had given them permission to use the UTV. However, his story quickly unraveled when inconsistencies arose between his account and the statements provided by his companions.
Police officer talking to a man in the back of a police car
Image: A police officer questions one of the suspects involved in the stolen UTV incident.
Confronted with conflicting information, Contreras eventually confessed that he had taken the UTV without permission, admitting it was his idea to go for a joyride. He claimed they were heading back to his vehicle parked in a nearby garage when apprehended.
The bodycam footage reveals the officers patiently questioning each suspect, piecing together the events that led to the stolen UTV. The officers maintain a professional demeanor throughout the encounter, even when met with conflicting stories and attempts to evade responsibility.
Police officer talking to a suspect next to a police car
Image: Police officers conduct individual interviews with each of the three suspects.
Following the questioning, Contreras was arrested and charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle. He later entered a no-contest plea and was placed in a pre-trial diversion program.
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office took immediate action, suspending Contreras without pay for 30 days before allowing him to return to duty. This incident serves as a stark reminder that law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard, even when off-duty.
Police officers standing near a UTV
Image: After apprehending the suspects, officers return the stolen UTV to its rightful place.
The incident, captured on bodycam footage, highlights the importance of transparency and accountability within law enforcement. It also showcases the professionalism of the responding officers, who diligently investigated the situation and ensured the safe return of the stolen city property.
