Black Male Arrested After Blaming Imaginary Brother for Theft of 2025 Ford Bronco

Niagara Falls Police were on routine patrol around 1:25pm on September 17th when their license plate reader alerted the registration on a 2025 Ford Bronco to be stolen. The vehicle was parked facing east on the 2400 block of Willow Avenue. Police radio confirmed that the vehicle was stolen.

On September 15th, the vehicle was reported stolen from the parking lot of Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Cheektowaga. There was no damage to the vehicle and was locked with no keys.

Police radio contacted the owner, Enterprise Rental, who stated to just tow the vehicle. While waiting for a tow to respond, an unknown black male walked towards the vehicle and approached the driver’s side door, unlocked it and opened the door (it was locked prior to this)

Officers exited their patrol vehicle and made contacted with the unknown male. They asked the male if the vehicle was his and he stated that it was his brother’s. However, upon being asked who his brother was, he refused to give a name.

The unknown male stated he didn’t get the vehicle from his brother and then became uncooperative. He was secured in handcuffs.

He identified himself as Michael Thompson but had no identification. Officers confirmed that Thompson had a warrant out of the Town of Lewiston.

Thompson as placed under arrest for unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He was transported to police headquarters for booking and processing.

Black Male Arrested After Blaming Imaginary Brother for Theft of 2025 Ford Bronco