Police warn drivers not to leave cars unattended

After a thief tried to steal a car he thought was left running and unattended, Colorado Springs police are warning drivers against what’s known as “puffing.”

“Puffing,” the act of starting your vehicle and leaving it running unattended, is illegal in public streets.

Officer Gary Tedeschi with the Colorado Springs Police Department told KRDO NewsChannel 13 that officers often see an increase in puffing when it’s cold outside.

“Unfortunately, with the colder weather, it always brings the people that want to stay inside while their vehicles warm up, and the suspects know it. They’re out there looking for it,” Tedeschi said. “It’s like an awakening for them.”

On Monday night in the 400 block of Tia Juana Street, police say a man tried to steal a car he thought was running and unattended. However, the victim’s son was in the back seat. The son tried to grab the suspect who later ran away at a nearby Walmart. Witnesses called police and the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Xavier Johnson, was taken into custody.