Alleged Car Thief Caught Playing Grand Theft Auto Video Game

If Michael Ray Ekes didn't know the difference between real life and video games, he probably does now.

The 30-year-old central Florida man and suspected car thief was nabbed by authorities, while playing the "Grand Theft Auto" video game.

It has been said that sometimes people play video games then go out to imitate the behavior that those games encourage. Perhaps that may have been what influenced Ekes's behavior but the only person who truly knows the motives is the suspect.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, police tracked down Michael Ray Ekes, a suspect in the theft of a 1998 Dodge Durango and located him sitting on a couch playing the video game. The vehicle had been reported stolen from the Sebring Wal-Mart parking lot.

Ekes was charged with grand theft auto, burglary and drug possession.

In general, grand theft auto is sometimes referred to as motor theft and involves the act of stealing or attempting a motor vehicle.

When asked if the "Grand Theft Auto" video game was anything like the real thing, the Sheriff's Offices said Elks replied, "It's a blast."

"Crime is not a game," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.  "Real life crime, has real life consequences..."

At the time of his arrest, he was out of jail on bond for another grand theft auto charge.

Authorities also found a syringe filled with methamphetamine inside Ekes' pants pocket. Ekes told detectives he "shoots" meth and had just finished using before they arrived.

Currently, Ekes remains in custody. Bond has not been set and no attorney was listed.

• Car Thief Captured Playing Grand Theft Auto (NBCMiami.com)
• Suspect found playing 'Grand Theft Auto' (UPI.com)
• Theft/Larceny (FindLaw)