Steamboat Pilot & Today

Man arrested on suspicion of stealing car Wednesday

A 31-year-old Buchanan, Mich., man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of stealing a a car from a Steamboat Springs gas station parking lot.

Police Capt. Joel Rae said Abraham William Hempen was arrested on suspicion of stealing a 1979 Ford Escort from the Shell parking lot in the 200 block of Lincoln Avenue. Rae said Hempen allegedly was driving the car north on Routt County Road 129 when a Colorado State Parks officer spotted it.

The car's owner, Reagan Ryan, reported it stolen at about 7 p.m. Wednesday. Ryan told police he was driving to Montana and had stopped at the gas station for water. Ryan left the keys in the ignition, and the car was gone when he returned from the gas station's convenience store, Rae said.

Officers stopped Hempel at about 7:45 p.m. as he was driving on C.R. 129 near mile marker 8. Hempel had two other passengers in the car, Rae said. Hempel was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor aggravated motor vehicle theft.

He is being held at Routt County Jail and had not posted his $750 bond as of Thursday night. He is scheduled to appear in Routt County Court at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Historic Routt County

chosen as beneficiary

Historic Routt County has been chosen as the beneficiary of this year's Soup Bowl Supper, sponsored by the Steamboat Clay Artisans. The money raised from the event will be used for restoration of several historical buildings in Routt County, including the Diamond Window Cabin near Stagecoach Reservoir and the Toponas Community Club building on Colorado Highway 131.

This year's Soup Bowl Supper is Oct. 4 at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. Attendees will receive a locally made ceramic soup bowl that they can fill with soup donated by local restaurants. Bread, beverage and dessert also are included. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. A silent auction of ceramic creations by local clay artists also takes place at each of the two supper seatings.

For more information, call Deb Babcock at 846-9349.