ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — You can add Jacob Breindel to this list of stolen vehicle victims in Western New York.
He's the owner of the black Jeep Cherokee that State Police said led them on a pursuit around 4:30 Friday afternoon. Breindel told 2 On Your Side that he's still in shock after receiving news at his doorstep Friday morning from Orchard Park Police.
"I woke up by my garage door opening. My father had come over with the police and told us our car had been stolen," Breindel said.
He added, "I had gone out the night before. I had taken the car out late to get some milk from the corner store. My keys must have fallen out of my pocket in the car."
According to New York State Police, the SUV led them on a pursuit around 4:30 p.m. Friday. It crashed at the intersection of Parkside and Hertel Avenue with a missing wheel. Officials say four suspects were in the vehicle. They fled on foot but were arrested.
One suspect had a loaded 9mm.
"That was our family car. Not having that is a big blow, and the car seats were in the car. So, we don't have car seats right now. It's usually a very peaceful, tranquil neighborhood. Lately, I've been hearing things. I've heard stories about people's valuables getting taken from their vehicles," Breindel said.
Breindel says his wife mainly uses the Jeep Cherokee. Despite that, Breindel says he feels lucky to have his car found so quickly.
"You got to feel safe in your own home and your own neighborhood. I don't have all the answers, but I hope something will change," Breindel said.