KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — An Argos man has been arrested for auto theft after failing to return a vehicle he took for a test drive in Kosciusko County.

Richard Ray LaFrance III

Richard Ray LaFrance III, 19, 12498 18B Rd., Argos is charged with auto theft, a level 6 felony.

On Aug. 14 a Marshall County Deputy discovered a 2004 silver Cadillac in the roadway, out of gas. LaFrance was the operator whose driver’s license was suspended and the vehicle registration was not valid. LaFrance stated he left a minivan as collateral to test drive the Cadillac.

The owner of the minivan stated she had loaned LaFrance her vehicle and he had failed to return it.

Officers located the minivan in Kosciusko County. The resident stated he had a 2004 silver Cadillac for sale that was currently being test driven. LaFrance told the seller that he needed to show the vehicle to his grandmother, who would give him money to purchase the vehicle. LaFrance failed to return with the test-driven vehicle.

As a result of the initial traffic stop, additional charges of possession of stolen property and unlawful possession of a syringe will be filed in Marshall County.

LaFrance was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on Oct. 10 with a $5,250 surety and cash bond.