News Summary
A 40-year-old woman from Knoxville, Merima Brykic, was arrested for stealing a vehicle after she tried to buy auto parts at O’Reilly Auto Parts. The incident unfolded when she attempted to take ownership of a gray Toyota Tacoma undergoing repairs at Jiffy Lube. Despite not being the owner and owing money for services, she drove off in the truck. Police later found her and the stolen vehicle at O’Reilly, leading to her arrest on multiple charges including theft of a motor vehicle.
Knoxville
A 40-year-old woman from Knoxville was arrested for stealing a vehicle after attempting to buy parts at O’Reilly Auto Parts, leading to a swift police response. Merima Brykic is facing charges of theft of a motor vehicle and failure to have a driver’s license in possession following the incident that occurred early Wednesday morning.
The theft took place at Jiffy Lube, located at 2805 East Broadway Ave, at approximately 9:45 a.m.. Brykic reportedly visited the auto service shop wearing an orange shirt and a surgical mask, where she initially inquired about tires. She engaged with employees before wandering the premises and eventually attempted to claim ownership of a gray Toyota Tacoma that was undergoing repairs.
Mechanics at Jiffy Lube refused to release the vehicle without verifying ownership and collecting a balance of approximately $300 owed for services rendered. During the time a mechanic went to confirm the vehicle’s release, Brykic allegedly entered the driver’s seat of the Tacoma and drove off without completing the payment or being listed as an owner of the vehicle.
Ensuing efforts by officers were prompted when Alcoa Police responded to a report of a “suspicious individual” at O’Reilly Auto Parts, situated at 329 South Calderwood St. Witnesses indicated that a woman matching Brykic’s description was attempting to purchase parts without sufficient funds.
While responding to the scene, police discovered the stolen Toyota Tacoma parked outside the auto parts store. Officers spotted Brykic walking away from the vehicle and detained her for questioning. During the investigation, the keys for the stolen Tacoma were found on her person, confirming her involvement in the theft.
Merima Brykic was subsequently arrested and booked into custody. She is currently being held on a bond totaling $10,500. A court hearing has been scheduled for July 24 at 9 a.m. in Blount County General Sessions Court, where further legal proceedings will take place regarding the charges against her.
Investigation Details
The investigation into the theft has been complicated by poor surveillance footage at Jiffy Lube, which did not clarify how Brykic arrived at the auto service location. Officers remain focused on the details surrounding the theft and any potential additional charges that may arise depending on the findings of the case.
Legal Context
Charges for theft of a motor vehicle can lead to serious legal consequences, often resulting in significant fines and possible imprisonment. The specific circumstances surrounding the case, including the methods employed by Brykic to obtain the vehicle, may influence the outcome of her forthcoming court hearing.
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous verification processes in the auto repair industry to prevent unauthorized vehicle retrieval and reiterates the vigilance of local law enforcement in addressing such crimes of opportunity.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5: Knoxville Man Arrested After Luxury Car Theft
- Wikipedia: Vehicle Theft
- WATE: Vehicle Thefts Drop but Targeted Models
- Google Search: Vehicle Theft Statistics
- WBIR: KPD Investigating Stolen Vehicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Auto Theft
- WATE: Knoxville Police Seeing Uptick in Car Burglaries
- Google News: Car Theft Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
