Douglas Jon Walzer, 45, of Ventura was arrested near Ocean and Seaward avenues around 4:40 p.m. Friday.
The suspect allegedly stole a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Work Truck as the owner, identified as Ronald Merkes of Ojai, went inside a gas station to pay to pump fuel. Merkes was inside the Spirit Gas station, located in the 400 block of Thompson Boulevard, when he heard his vehicle start and accelerate away.
After spotting Walzer speeding through intersections near the scene of the crime, responding Ventura police officers conducted a high risk-stop and arrested him. Witnesses at the gas station identified the suspect as the person who stole the vehicle.
Walzer was taken into custody and booked for stolen vehicle charges at the Ventura County Jail.
