Car Thief Captured Playing Grand Theft Auto

Florida man was getting pointers from a video game

Running around and pulling people out of their cars earns you big bucks in the "Grand Theft Auto" video games.

It just earns you a trip to jail in real life.

A central Florida man was apparently getting some pointers from his video games when police nabbed him for - you guessed it - grand theft auto on Thursday.

Michael Ray Eke, 30, allegedly stole a 1998 Dodge Durango earlier this week and drove it to his home in Haines City. When police finally tracked him down, they found Ekes inside his house wreaking havoc on the mythical streets of  the popular violent video game.

Unlike the brash lead character in the game, Ekes didn't get into a shoot out with the police (there are no continues or life meters in reality, either).

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

Ekes was charged with grand theft auto, burglary and drug possession. At the time of his arrest, he was out of jail on bond for another grand theft auto charge. He was still in jail on Friday. No word if they allow video game play in the Polk County slammer.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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