Police in Los Angeles County have recovered a classic car belonging to actor Jerry O’Connell after the vehicle was taken without his knowledge while he and his family were out of town. The recovery occurred Jan. 13 after deputies spotted the car being driven at a high rate of speed along the Pacific Coast Highway.
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According to a report from NBC4 in Los Angeles, deputies conducted a traffic stop on the 1979 Cadillac after observing the speeding vehicle. During the stop, the driver claimed the car belonged to a family member. However, the individual was unable to produce a driver’s license, vehicle registration, or proof of insurance when requested by law enforcement.
Further investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department revealed that the man driving the Cadillac was homeless and that the vehicle had been reported stolen. Authorities determined the car had been taken from O’Connell’s residence in Calabasas, located in the west San Fernando Valley.
At the time of the theft, O’Connell and his family were traveling and were unaware the car had been removed from the property. The theft was discovered only after police identified the vehicle during the traffic stop and connected it to the actor.
The Cadillac was subsequently recovered and returned to O’Connell. No additional details were released regarding damage to the vehicle or whether any charges were filed in connection with the theft.
O’Connell, known for his role in the 1986 film “Stand by Me,” owns the classic car as part of his personal collection. The incident highlights how vehicle thefts can go unnoticed when owners are away for extended periods, particularly when older vehicles are involved.
Authorities have not indicated how long the car was missing before it was recovered or how the individual gained access to it. Law enforcement officials also did not disclose whether the vehicle was targeted intentionally or taken opportunistically.
The recovery was made possible through routine patrol activity and a traffic stop prompted by a moving violation rather than a direct report of the theft. Police say the incident underscores the importance of verifying ownership during traffic stops, especially when drivers are unable to provide basic documentation.
The vehicle has since been returned to its owner, bringing the incident to a close after what authorities described as a brief but unusual case involving a stolen classic car and an unaware owner.
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