A man unexpectedly jumped into a delivery van at a Coral Springs nonprofit and drove off before police were able to respond
Coral Springs, Florida – A startling morning incident at a Coral Springs nonprofit ended with an arrest after a man unexpectedly jumped into a delivery van and sped off, authorities say.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:05 a.m. on August 18 at the Jack Brewer Foundation on Wiles Road, where employees were preparing the vehicle for scheduled deliveries. According to police reports, the van had been running with the keys left in the ignition while workers loaded cargo, creating an opportunity for a brazen theft.
That’s when a man wearing a yellowish-colored shirt suddenly climbed into the driver’s seat and drove away, the report says. The swift and unexpected nature of the incident left staff shocked.
Police Response
Officers quickly issued a be-on-the-lookout alert for the stolen vehicle, which was soon spotted near the intersection of Wiles Road and Lyons Road in Coconut Creek. Law enforcement pursued the van until it was safely stopped on Wiles Road in Deerfield Beach.
Authorities arrested 32-year-old Christopher Sparks of Washington state at the scene. Following his apprehension, Sparks admitted to taking the van without permission. “Sorry,” he told officers, claiming he needed the vehicle to reach a second location, according to the arrest report.
Legal Proceedings
The Jack Brewer Foundation, the registered owner of the van, confirmed to police that it intends to pursue prosecution. Sparks was charged with one count of grand theft auto and was taken to the Broward County Main Jail. He has since posted bond and is expected to face further legal proceedings in connection with the theft.
Authorities emphasized that the incident, while unusual, underscores the risks of leaving vehicles unattended—even briefly—especially when they are running. In this case, the quick actions of law enforcement helped prevent a prolonged chase or further damage.
Community Reaction
Staff at the nonprofit expressed relief that the situation was resolved without injury. The Jack Brewer Foundation, which is known for its community outreach and charitable work, confirmed that no cargo or personnel were harmed during the incident. Employees said they were shaken but grateful for the swift police response.
“This was an unexpected event,” a foundation representative said. “We are taking steps to ensure the safety of our staff and vehicles moving forward.”
A Reminder to the Public
Police are reminding all residents and business owners to exercise caution with unattended vehicles, even for brief moments. Leaving keys in a running vehicle can create an opportunity for theft and endanger the safety of both the community and the person behind the wheel.
The Coral Springs Police Department continues to investigate the incident and has encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward. Meanwhile, the community is taking lessons from the unusual theft to ensure stronger security measures are in place at local businesses.
