Man arrested for car theft   

A 37-year-old Miami man was arrested Saturday night after stealing his friend’s car near the Channel Five Bridge.

Noel Mojarrieta was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, battery, resisting arrest and DUI.

There were no serious injuries reported.

The incident began at 11:06 p.m. in Islamorada when a be-on-the-lookout alert was issued for a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta that was reported stolen at Mile Marker 71 by Mojarreita’s friend/victim, also from Miami. The 36-year-old victim was found shortly thereafter at a nearby shopping area. He stated he and Mojarrieta are longtime friends who traveled to the Florida Keys to fish the Channel Five Bridge. He added Mojarrieta was intoxicated and high on narcotics.

At some point, Mojarrieta became upset as he wanted to leave, but the victim was not ready to do so. Both were in the car when the argument ensued. The victim exited in an attempt to calm Mojarrieta. Mojarrieta also exited. Mojarrieta then placed the victim in a choke hold and dragged him away from the driver’s side of the vehicle. Deputy Anfernee Rodriguez noted the victim had scrapes and cuts consistent with being dragged on the ground.

Mojarrieta told the victim to get in the passenger seat and sped away on U.S. 1 reaching speeds of 100 mph. The victim pleaded for Mojarrieta to slow down and to let him out. Mojarrieta complied near Mile Marker 81, leaving the victim on the side of the road and the shopping plaza.

The Jetta was located crossing the Snake Creek Bridge northbound, where it failed to maintain a single lane or a consistent speed. Deputies Joel Rios and Ashley Monaco stopped the Jetta near Mile Marker 88. Mojarrieta appeared to be in and out of consciousness.

Mojarrieta was first taken to Mariners Hospital where he was uncooperative and refused medical care.

Mojarrieta was eventually medically cleared at the hospital and taken to jail.

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