Dustin Berzett

An Limestone County man was arrested on theft charges Tuesday because police say he drove off in an unattended vehicle that was left running.

Athens Police Capt. Trevor Harris said at 5:30 a.m., an Athens man went outside to start his Honda Accord to warm it up. When he returned a few minutes later, he found the car was gone.

Police were called to the scene and other agencies were notified about the theft.

About an hour later, Decatur police spotted the vehicle near the intersection of Locust and 19th streets in Decatur. The car was being driven by 30-year-old Dustin Berzett of Piney Chapel Road.

Harris said Detective Kelly Fussell drove to Decatur and brought Berzett back to Athens for questioning. Following the interview, Berzett was charged with first-degree theft. After being booked by Athens police, he was taken to the Limestone County Jail.