Okaloosa County deputies arrest man accused of stealing and crashing a car from dealership

Deputies with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office in Florida have arrested 21-year-old Jalen Corey Hardy, accused of breaking into a used car dealership, stealing a vehicle, and being involved in multiple hit-and-runs. The arrest was made Thursday, Aug. 20, after officials said Hardy broke a window at the Used Cars Florida dealership and entered to take a key. Authorities allege he then stole an $18,000 white Nissan parked outside. Surveillance footage allegedly showed the break-in and theft. Deputies later found Hardy inside the car near Eglin Parkway, where he allegedly confessed. Prosecutors say Hardy claimed he needed transportation back to Detroit and was arrested for climbing a communications tower the night before.