Becker County ( trfnews.i234.me ) – A North Dakota woman has been charged with felony motor vehicle theft in Becker County after a car was stolen outside a Detroit Lakes bar in the early morning hours of August 24.
According to court records, 36-year-old Cindy Noelia Ramos of Karlsruhe, North Dakota, was identified through surveillance footage from the Northside Bar. The video allegedly showed Ramos entering a 2006 blue Toyota Prius at 2:07 a.m., taking a purse and keys, and then later returning at 5:17 a.m. in different clothing before driving away.
The victim told police her purse—containing car keys, driver’s license, and credit cards—was taken earlier in the night. She had locked the Prius, but discovered it missing hours later. Officers spoke with a man who said Ramos had the purse and keys, changed her clothes at a train depot, and attempted to enter his residence before leaving again.
Police located Ramos later that day at a Detroit Lakes residence. After being read her Miranda rights, Ramos admitted the Prius was on Dean Street with the stolen purse still inside. She told officers she did not use the victim’s credit cards but admitted traveling to Fargo and Grand Forks before returning to Detroit Lakes. She reportedly said she took the car because she was homeless and her “survival instincts kicked in.”
Ramos was released on August 25 without bail under standard conditions of release. Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 13 before District Judge Michelle W. Lawson.
For more information on Minnesota felony motor vehicle theft laws, please visit the Minnesota Legislature.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Cindy Noelia Ramos