Local Man Arrested after Auto Theft

Robert Kanehl

December 15, 2025

One man is in jail after the theft of a truck while the owner was warming it up. On December 13^th, 2025 at 7:40 pm, CPD officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Hege Avenue for an auto theft. When they arrived, they found Robert Kanehl, 24 of Columbus, being restrained by another man. After gathering more information, officers learned that a resident there had gone outside to start his Silverado and allow it to warm up. While he was clearing the snow from the truck, he saw Robert walk by and the two exchanged hellos. A few minutes later, the owner of the truck was shoveling snow nearby when Robert got into the Silverado and started to speed off. However, he drove the truck into a nearby ditch and it got stuck. The owner was able to get the truck door open, remove Robert, and restrain him until officers arrived.

Robert was arrested for the preliminary charge of theft of a motor vehicle, a level 6 felony. He remains in the Bartholomew County Jail.

Unfortunately, there are criminals looking for opportunities to steal our cars. If you are warming your vehicle up in this very cold weather, please try to lock the vehicle with a spare set of keys, make sure someone is watching it, and be on the lookout for suspicious activity. You can report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 or our dispatch center’s non-emergency line at 812-379-1689.

All charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.