Quick-Thinking OKC Woman Helps Catch Car Thief

OKLAHOMA CITY - A woman who jumped in front of a moving car to stop an attempted car thief also whipped out her cell phone to make sure police got a good look at the suspect.

On Thursday, December 8, Marcie Hatley had just put her purse, cell phone and other belongings in her car and left it running so it could warm up. Then she went inside her house to get her daughter.

12/14/2011 Related Story: OKC Woman Snaps Picture Of Car Theft Suspect

"Got her, kissed my husband goodbye, within three minutes someone was in my car pulling out," Hatley explained.

As she was walking out the door, Marcie saw a woman jump into her car and begin to drive away.

"She kind of hesitated when she put it in drive, that's when I got in front of my car with my daughter in my hands, which wasn't very smart," said Hatley.

The suspect stepped out of the car, and that's when Marcie grabbed her cell phone and snapped of picture of the would-be thief.

Marcie turned that picture over to police.

On Tuesday night, police arrested Katie Crane while they say she was trying to steal another car. They matched Crane's mug with Marcie's cell phone picture and they knew they had their girl.

It was quick thinking on Marcie's part that helped save her car and catch a thief, although she wouldn't recommend it.

"After it happened, I broke down and started crying because it really upset me that I had my daughter in my hands and I put her life and my life in danger."