BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Baltimore City police have a new crime on the books: Stealing your own car.

Just ask Keith Spence, a Baltimore City resident who was arrested when he was driving home from work in a car he bought with a tax refund.

“I couldn’t believe it was happening,” Spence said.

Spence, 28, said city police pulled him over in his 1993 red Cadillac Elderado coupe for a cracked rear window in February. Four officers dragged Spence and his two passengers from the car and said they were under arrest for stealing it, he said.

“I was listening to the radio from the back seat of the police car. It said a gray Cadillac sedan was stolen; mine is a red coupe. I guess the officer must have been color blind,” he said.

“I tried to tell them it was my car, but they wouldn’t listen.”

Spence and his two friends were arrested, and the car was impounded. Charged with one count of motor vehicle theft, Spence represented himself in court in June.

“I owned the car — I knew it wasn’t stolen,” he said.

Even though Spence had the title proving he owned the car, he said he was cleared of the charges because of the testimony of the owner of the stolen car.

“The whole courtroom fell out — even the judge laughed,” Spence told The Examiner.

Still, police sold Spence’s car at auction two months before his day in court.

Now Spence is without the car it took him a year to buy, and his lawyer, Roland Brown, said he is preparing to sue the city.

“Not only did the police violate my client’s constitutional rights by selling his car before the trial, but the case demonstrates that young black males in this city are blindly targeted by the Baltimore City police,” he said.

Brown said the case also points out problems with the city’s management of stolen vehicles. “You have to question why a stolen car would be sold at all,” he said.

Police spokesman Matt Jablow said police are investigating the incident.

“We’re looking into the circumstances surrounding why the car was sold,” Jablow said.

Spence said he only wants the Cadillac he worked so hard to buy.

“I loved that car.”

sjanis@baltimoreexaminer.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

11:47 AM MST on Mon., Apr. 28, 2008 re: "Female prisoner kills herself in D.C. Jail"

Examiner Reader said:
It amazes me that the D.C. Jail is still up and running. With all of the deaths, suicides, and unsanitary conditions...it should have been torn down years ago. How many strikes will these C.O's and other officials have to get before something is really done about it?

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7:35 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "U.S. attorney hires former supervisor"

Examiner Reader said:
I see some investigations starting at City Hall.

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9:23 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "U.S. attorney hires former supervisor"

Examiner Reader said:
We'd just pried this Republican sleazebag from her fixation on the public teat last year and whaddya know, she's back again in yet another job for which she is wholly unqualified. One dirty hand washes the other.

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12:47 PM MST on Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 re: "Bill aims to outlaw paintball, BB, pellet guns in Baltimore"

Examiner Reader said:
yes outlaw toy guns i mean if your going to get robed you want a real gun pointed at you come on people its a way for (most) people vent there anger

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1:07 PM MST on Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 re: "Former police chief wants pardon, old job back"

Examiner Reader said:
no he should not be able to get his job back.. what does that do for the justice department....he did the crime and should suffer for what he did... he was aware of what he was doing.....then he used the money on pointless things................ if he gets his job back thats going to open doors for other people to do the same thing.....just to say if he wouldnt have gotten court who knows he might still be stealing money today.......

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11:44 PM MST on Sun., Feb. 17, 2008 re: "Drug tests to be used determine cause of Pasadena man�s death"

Examiner Reader said:
A more truthful explanation of this man's death is from witnesses who saw from their own houses. After the man was beaten at the house he was at the cops jumped on him, he was seen on the ground being kicked by officers before his death. The police refused to let the ambulance drive to the scence, which was waiting there before his death. The medics were forced to run about a whole block with their equipment and the stretcher. Too sad, the cops beat the man to death and get away with it. As for the ladder part of this story, I was there myself to see.

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12:08 PM MST on Sat., Feb. 16, 2008 re: "Solving crime with a skeleton police force"

Examiner Reader said:
Until 6 months ago, the Taraval Station, which covers 1/4 of San Francisco, had 0 cops on the street. I guess a 6 billion dollar city budget only allowed enough officers for the desk jobs. However, kudos to new Taraval police captain Chignell for recognizing the crisis and rapidly hiring new officers.

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7:25 AM MST on Sat., Feb. 16, 2008 re: "Solving crime with a skeleton police force"

scout said:
Simple solution, don't hire women for police officers and don't hire girlie boys as police officers. Secondary solution is that we need intelligent but aggressive police officers in combination with fear of God, with the additional ingredient of getting rid of commie and girlie organizations that protect criminals and weaken police. But I guess I'm dreaming.

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11:39 PM MST on Sun., Feb. 10, 2008 re: "Three arrested in fatal Dundalk shooting"

Examiner Reader said:
all three men found guilty and will be in jail for life this man is dearly missed by 10 grandchildren and 3 step grandchildren plus a large number of friends

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5:11 PM MST on Tue., Feb. 5, 2008 re: "Former police chief wants pardon, old job back"

Ex-Corrections officer said:
Yes, I fee that Ed Norris should be able to get his job back, he got the job done and reduced crime. O'Mally took kick backs he just didn't get caught. Then he snitched on Norris.

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12:42 PM MST on Thu., Jan. 31, 2008 re: "Dad charged with killing baby"

Examiner Reader said:
will there be a follow up on the story of the dad charged with the killing baby. the article was written on march 2nd 2007. thank you

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3:13 PM MST on Mon., Jan. 28, 2008 re: "D.C. police prepare to make arrest in homicide"

Examiner Reader said:
any updates on the Robert Wone case?

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6:16 PM MST on Thu., Jan. 17, 2008 re: "Police arrest 12 people, seize drugs, guns in monthlong sting"

Breanna said:
Where did you catch them at?

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5:53 AM MST on Sat., Dec. 22, 2007 re: "Body ID�d as missing teenager"

Examiner Reader said:
Thats my brother i thank the people who found him and i miss him very much i love you Zack!!!!

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4:23 PM MST on Wed., Dec. 19, 2007 re: "Man charged with murdering wife"

kyle toronto said:
the 11 year old rides my bus she said that if her mom got a divorce with her da he's kill her/beat her

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9:18 PM MST on Mon., Dec. 10, 2007 re: "Third suspect named in attempted robbery that preceded officer�s shooting"

Examiner Reader said:
Vernon Brown's sentencing trial is next week. Why hasn't any reporter found out why the pair of cousins were trying to rob the store in the first place, what would drive two grown men to the point of no return. no one cares why people commit crimes, just what happened and who died. then its on to the next death. When will journalist dig further to uncover the horror that must be happening in young men's lives that motivates them to go to such lengths. Rest In Peace LeArnold Jones. We love you.

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11:20 AM MST on Wed., Nov. 7, 2007 re: "Rash of killings worries residents of Park Heights neighborhood"

Examiner Reader said:
What are the cops doing in this city? We need to be more proactive where drugs and violence are concerned. They know where drugs are being sold.There are so many police cameras in this city. The drug peddlers have just moved to a street where ther is no camera, but they are still out there. For instance in Park Heights on Hayward ave between PArk heights and Reisterstown Rd everyday you see drug dealers lining the street corner every block 2 by 2 selling. It is outrageous. And worse than that there is police precinct less that 3miles away. Sometimes I think the some cops are being paid by some of these drug dealers to turn a blind eye. Something better needs to be done and it can be done, it's not rocket science. We have brilliant heads in our government let's get them working together and get things done. We can be more and do more in Baltimore. very concerned resident of B'more.

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11:07 AM MST on Wed., Nov. 7, 2007 re: "Rash of killings worries residents of Park Heights neighborhood"

Examiner Reader said:
It is unfortunate that nobody knows what is happening, and the citizens of this city are suppose to trust their elected officials. It is shameful that more isn't been done to combat the drug and murders in our city that can be great again.

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8:35 PM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "Police: Woodlawn murder committed by neighbor"

Examiner Reader said:
We lost our uncle on saturday oct,20,in the seccion of white marsh,fernando rodriguez, hispanic male 33 years of age,light skin complecion,large mouth,short salt & pepper hair,carrying a new iphone, and driving a 1999 toyota sienna,light gr with penn plates any whereabouts of him or the minivan please contact your local police

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5:31 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "Former police chief wants pardon, old job back"

Examiner Reader said:
how can we the people help ed norris get his job back he was railroaded .i think hes one of the good gys.others have done alot worse and didnt get as much as ed norris did.

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8:12 PM MST on Sun., Oct. 21, 2007 re: "Judge: Carroll residents turn blind eye to child abuse"

Examiner Reader said:
The judge in this article, has placed four children, that I personally know of, if homes with abusive fathers over a loving home with their mothers. He is racist and a misogenist. May he burn in hell for the children's lives he has destroyed, he cannot make it up to them by his "good works" for "Voices for Children".

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6:47 AM MST on Sun., Oct. 21, 2007 re: "Mom: Cops killed son, roughed her up"

Examiner Reader said:
In this article it doesn't seem to mention that he held a gun to the girlfriend's head and was going to kill her dad. He also told the girlfriend he was going to kill himself. WOW let's just leave out what mom doesn't want you to know.

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6:47 AM MST on Sun., Oct. 21, 2007 re: "Mom: Cops killed son, roughed her up"

Examiner Reader said:
In this article it doesn't seem to mention that he held a gun to the girlfriend's head and was going to kill her dad. He also told the girlfriend he was going to kill himself. WOW let's just leave out what mom doesn't want you to know.

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11:09 PM MST on Mon., Oct. 1, 2007 re: "Severna Park neighbors: Convicted child molester received a light sentence"

Examiner Reader said:
What was the name of the judge who sentenced the molester! Let's make sure he isn't re elected!!!

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7:54 AM MST on Fri., Aug. 31, 2007 re: "Hair, blood found under suspect�s car may not go to trial"

Examiner Reader said:
so why not charge him with that murder too

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8:27 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Scathing audit criticizes state police"

Examiner Reader said:
If they were to keep up with data entries, they wouldn't be able to get funding for being 'over-run with crime'.

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11:02 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007 re: "Police say Severn woman lied about being raped"

Examiner Reader said:
I would be very interested to know how the police determine a "false report" for allegations of sexual assault/rape. 40% is a very high percentage, compared to the rest of the nation. Why can't they release what evidence they have that makes this a false report.

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2:44 PM MST on Tue., Aug. 21, 2007 re: "DNA evidence could break unsolved 1974 homicide"

Examiner Reader said:
It would be a wonderful thing if DNA evidence leads to an arrest and prosecution in Eileen Kelly's murder. Her parents are elderly now and they deserve a resolution. Please keep me updated.

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2:48 AM MST on Tue., Jul. 24, 2007 re: "State Dept. official, international jeweler indicted"

Examiner Reader said:
This case is gone and dead. The Jeweller will get away, he has already started a boombing jewellery tv channel chain in U.S, Germany and U.K and put it all in other peoples names. He has protected himself, now the law will be running after his shadow.

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2:46 AM MST on Sun., Jul. 15, 2007 re: "Drug tests to be used determine cause of Pasadena man�s death"

Examiner Reader said:
I am Steven Ellison mother. I have pictures to prove the police beat Steven to death. Lt. David Waltemeyer must not have seen my sons face. They beat his face and other parts of his body.

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2:45 PM MST on Thu., Jul. 12, 2007 re: "Suspects arrested for throwing party in Harris Teeter dairy cooler"

Examiner Reader said:
arrested five men for allegedly stealing beer and food from a Harris Teeter on Glebe Road ? QUILTY 1st? Take this article off.

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9:44 PM MST on Wed., Jun. 27, 2007 re: "Man arrested for �stealing� own car"

Examiner Reader said:
man thats not fair!!!!!

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