MEDIA RELEASE – Motor Vehicle Theft Arrest

March 26, 2024

Released by Maj. B. Henderson

On Friday afternoon, March 22, 2024, at approximately 4:00 PM, a law enforcement officers from the Pittsburg Police Department was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of E. 10th St., in Pittsburg, in reference to a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The victim reported their 2018 Jeep Compass had been stolen from their residence sometime between 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM the previous night (March 21, 2024).

On early Tuesday morning, March 26, 2024, at approximately 1:50 AM, a law enforcement officer from the Pittsburg Police Department was near the intersection of US 69 Hwy. and E. 520th Ave. conducting checks on business properties when they observed the stolen Jeep Compass traveling westbound on E. 520th Ave. from that intersection. The officer recognized the vehicle as having been reported stolen, turned around, and began to follow the Jeep, calling in their location to Dispatch.

The Jeep pulled into the driveway of a residence, located in the 700 block of E. 520th Ave., and three occupants exited the vehicle: two female passengers and one male driver, who was later identified as 29-year-old Matthew N. Grassi, of Pittsburg. All three occupants were detained until Deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene to assume control of the investigation.

Mr. Grassi was subsequently arrested by Deputies for felony possession of stolen property, and he was transported to the jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking. Mr. Grassi is currently being held without bond.

This incident is still under investigation at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

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