Stolen 2010 Prius Accident

Wow. I guess I was expecting to see more damage hitting a concrete barrier and all. The article made it sound like he was going 80 when he hit.... how can that be?

Fun to read the comments... I guess people don't realize a prius CAN go 80!

We have secret cool!

 

I'm wondering how this car got "stolen."

There have been very few reports of any Prius being stolen...
I can think of only one report in 2 years that involved a
breakin/burglary, and subsequent police chase, IIRC.

Was the car left running in the Ready mode at a convenience store?
Was the SKS fob taken in a robbery?
A domestic dispute, and a irate spouse/parent?

I'm leaning towards the latter as being most likely.

 

The news report is pretty much a repeat of the Oregon State Police
report. It's the 5th article from the top.
"Driver to Face Charges Following Attempt to Elude, Crash on Interstate 5
in Tualatin / Tigard Area (Photos):"

Oregon State Police news

There are three pictures attached. It appears that the car nosed into the
road-side Jersey barrier at a very slight angle on the passenger side.
No marks or gouging on the barrier. It looks like it ground to a stop.
But more like 8 or 18 MPH at "impact," actually more like "contact."
80 vs 8/18 MPH... a very lucky driver.

As to damage, it looks like it is restricted to the bumper cover which looks
more to be dislodged than crumpled.

 

cited for "unauthorized use of a vehicle" implies he was known to the owner and probably grabbed the fob out of a purse or coat pocket

 

Here's the amount of damage, and what the Gen III looks like doing about 40mph / 64kph getting smashed:

From those shots you can guage whether or not the OP's article was actually 80mph at impact.

.

 

The article doesn't reveal any information as to "how" it was stolen. Perhaps the fob was taken then The Prius?

In anycase, it doesn't sound like a typical "professional robbery", someone with intent to make a profit or keep the automobile or even just get away with the crime, wouldn't steal it and then drive around with the lights off at night.

Which is good for me, living in the area I would hate to think there was a ring of thieves or a premium for Stolen Prius. This just sounds like an isolated incident inwhich we do not know all the details.