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Woman charged with using roommate’s car without permission

A 19-year-old Minot woman is accused of taking her roommate’s car without permission on Feb. 9 and later lying to police about her name.

Joy Emily Smith is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and false information to law enforcement, both Class A misdemeanors, in district court in Minot.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed with the court, the owner of the 2006 Black Nissan Altima reported that Smith had taken the vehicle and hadn’t returned it. Police tracked Smith down to the Northern Plains Inn in Minot. She allegedly jumped out a window after they knocked on the hotel room door and went to the Tesoro Gas Station to the southwest of the motel. Officers followed her there and parked a patrol vehicle outside. Smith stopped and talked with them but gave them a fake name. Police determined she was Joy Smith based on comparing her appearance to past booking photos. Smith told police that her roommate had sent her multiple messages telling her he would call the police if she didn’t return the vehicle.

– Andrea Johnson

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