Rockford man accused of stealing Kia, using stolen plates

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Winnebago County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Derek Wassilak, 51, for allegedly stealing a white Kia Soul and license plates.

On September 8th, around 7:15 p.m., police were on patrol around the 2700 block of 11 Street looking for a white Kia Soul reported stolen with stolen Illinois registration.

Authorities said they located the vehicle with an individual leaning into the driver’s seat. Officials made a U-turn to get behind the vehicle when the driver and passenger entered the stolen Kia, according to court documents.

Police said they got out of their squad car with their firearms drawn and arrested Wassilak along with the passenger. During a search, authorities located crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia in the stolen vehicle.

The suspect told officials he was borrowing the car from someone and could not accurately remember what happened the last few days due to his drug use.

Wassilak is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen plates, driving on a revoked license, possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.

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