Police: Victim phoned in to authorities while inside stolen delivery truck

Costa Mesa police arrested two people Thursday on suspicion of kidnapping and car theft after the victim, who was still in the vehicle, was able to use a cell phone to provide street-by-street updates to police.

Dan Floyd Hillard, 42, of Oklahoma was arrested for grand theft auto and kidnapping while another man was arrested but later released due to a lack of evidence, according to a Police Department news release.

Police contend that Hillard and the other man stole a delivery truck about 8 a.m. from the Chevron station at Harbor Boulevard and Gisler Avenue. At the time, the victim was in the back of the truck and had left the keys in the ignition.

When the victim felt the truck begin to move, he banged on the sides of the vehicle in an attempt to get Hillard’s attention. He phoned the police and was able to provide constant updates of his location.

Police said Hillard eventually pulled into the IKEA parking lot off South Coast Drive and attempted to walk away after apologizing to the victim.

The victim, who was still on the phone with Costa Mesa police, directed arriving officers to the pair.

Hillard remains in custody at the Costa Mesa Police Department jail under a $20,000 bond.

— Sarah Peters

Twitter: @speters01