A stolen car is recovered with the thief in the driver’s seat.

Salina Police officers waited in unmarked cars yesterday for 25-year-old Ngamo Debo to pull into the Ace Home Center on South Broadway – then arrested him.

Captain Chris Trocheck tells KSAL News that Debo had allegedly stolen a 2007 Ford 500 from the parking lot of Tony’s Pizza, 3019 Scanlan on Wednesday morning.

Police say through texting and cell phone conversations with the owner, Debo offered to return the $5,000 car for $10,000 in cash.

Owner of the car, Susan Haggerty of Salina told police she had left her keys, purse and cell phone in the unlocked vehicle while she was working a shift at Tony’s.

Debo, who is also an employee at Tony’s is now facing charges that include theft of property and attempted theft.