Crime & Safety

'Suicidal' Illinois Man Arrested In Inver Grove Auto Theft

If convicted of the charge against him, D James Lee Wilburn, 50, could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

A 50-year-old Joliet, Ill., man was arrested for receiving stolen property in Inver Grove Heights on May 16 after police were dispatched to help a "suicidal" man in a local hotel parking lot.

D James Lee Wilburn told IGH police he would be waiting for them in a silver Chrysler with South Dakota license plates. Upon arrival, officers found Wilburn sitting inside the vehicle.

According to a Dakota County criminal complaint, IGH police ran the license plates of the vehicle and learned it had been reported stolen in North Dakota on Mar. 28.

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The complaint made no other mention of Wilburn attempting to harm himself in the presence of responding officers. 

The complaint says Wilburn rented the vehicle on Nov. 18, 2011, from a rental company in Minot, N.D. His original contract was for a one-month rental.

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Wilburn allegedly failed to return the vehicle after a month but called the company to try to rent the vehicle for a second month. The rental company attempted to run Wilburn’s credit card for the second contract but it was declined.

According to the complaint, numerous attempts to contact Wilburn were unsuccessful.

Wilburn is scheduled to appear at an omnibus hearing on June 12. If convicted of the charge against him, Wilburn could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 


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