A 34-year-old 'Ewa Villages man was arrested on suspicion of car theft Monday morning after police officers became suspicious of a vehicle in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant in Mō'ili'ili.

Patrol officers reported seeing two men sitting in the vehicle, which was parked out of a stall with the engine running.

One of the officers walked past and noticed the steering column cover was missing near the ignition switch and that there was no key in the ignition.

A check with police dispatchers showed that the vehicle's owner had reported it stolen.

The man behind the wheel was arrested on suspicion of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle.

A passenger in the vehicle ran away, eluding arrest, police said.