A routine truck sale on a quiet Seattle street turned into a real-life chase scene this week, after what looked like a standard test drive ended with the sellers watching their own pickup vanish down the road.
How the theft unfolded
Carol and Vladimir Skrivanic had put a "For Sale" sign on their Ford pickup and were expecting the usual calls and meetups. Instead, they say a would-be buyer answered their ad, came for a look, then used the test drive as a getaway. During the supposed drive, the person opened the passenger door, climbed in, and took off with the truck.
Vladimir later spotted the pickup and decided to follow. He says the driver crashed into two other vehicles and then rammed his Subaru during the encounter. While he dealt with the damage, the couple's son jumped online and posted about the stolen truck in a neighborhood group. Neighbors began sending in tips, which helped direct authorities to the vehicle. Officers eventually found the truck parked and empty, and the owners say the thieves had tried to cover their tracks by painting and buffing some of the damaged panels.
The suspect has not yet been caught. The family is now working with their insurance company to get both the truck and the Subaru repaired. The case is one of more than 2,000 vehicle thefts Seattle police have logged so far this year, after thefts hit a high point in 2023 with nearly 9,000 reports, according to KING 5.
Where this fits locally and nationally
Nationally, the overall theft picture has improved. Vehicle thefts dropped in 2025, with the National Insurance Crime Bureau reporting a 23% decline to about 659,880 stolen vehicles. That pullback is tied to coordinated enforcement efforts and fixes from automakers that have made many cars harder to swipe. Experts still see pockets of opportunistic theft in certain cities, though, which means private sellers remain exposed when they meet strangers or let vehicles go out without them.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau analysis underscores a simple point that Carol and Vladimir would likely endorse: vigilance, quick reporting, and a healthy dose of skepticism are still essential for both buyers and sellers.
How sellers can protect themselves
Security basics go a long way. Meet prospective buyers in busy, well lit public places, such as a police station parking lot. Check and photograph a driver's license before handing over keys, and stay in the vehicle for any test drive instead of letting the driver go alone. Take clear photos of your vehicle and its VIN ahead of time, tell a friend or neighbor when and where you are meeting someone, and consider temporary GPS tracking for higher value work trucks.
The Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority and local law enforcement agencies offer additional tips, checklists, and resources tailored to private sales.
Seattle police are investigating this case. Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000, according to the department blotter (Seattle Police Department blotter).
