Lawrence Wiley, a 41-year-old man from Oakland, has been convicted on multiple felony charges after a jury found him guilty of stealing a rental car from the San Francisco International Airport. This event, which occurred back in March of this year, included Wiley making an audacious escape by driving a $40,000 vehicle through a parking lot gate and over spike strips, which subsequently disabled the car.
According to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, Wiley faced charges that included vehicle theft, felony vandalism, and the possession of both drugs & paraphernalia, along with possession of stolen property. His arrest was executed by the South San Francisco Police Department after the stolen rental car from AVIS was rendered immobile and Wiley fled on foot.
Lawrence Wiley (41) found guilty by jury of vehicle theft, felony vandalism, poss. of drugs & paraphernalia, & possession of stolen property, arrested by @SSFPolice in March '24 after stealing $40k rental car at SFO, smashing through a gate, & fled on foot when it was disabled. pic.twitter.com/F2kzUdzPNs
— San Mateo County District Attorney (@SanMateoCoDA) June 11, 2024
The San Mateo Daily Journal reported that the District Attorney, Steve Wagstaffe, detailed the circumstances surrounding the theft, including Wiley's bold method of escape, which saw him smashing through a gate arm. This attempt to flee ultimately led to his arrest.
Wiley's legal battle now concludes with this recent jury verdict, bringing an end to a case that began with a flight through a rental lot and culminated in a court of law. The repercussions of his actions are yet to be fully understood, but they are likely to include a significant period of incarceration. San Mateo County's judicial system has once again demonstrated its efficacy in the face of a criminal action that could have endangered many at one of the region's busiest airports.
