On Sunday, the Melbourne Police Department reported to the scene of a hit and run. Witnesses said a male and female left the area, which was captured on video.
A few minutes later, police received a call from Rachel M. Gilbert, 35, of Sebastian, reporting that her car was stolen in Melbourne.
“The vehicle she was requesting to report stolen was the suspect at-fault vehicle for the hit and run crash,” the officer said.
Gilbert told the police that she left her vehicle running at an apartment complex momentarily and then noticed it was missing. When she was unable to find her car, she called to report it stolen.
She claims that she located the vehicle not far from the apartments.
Gilbert said she entered the vehicle from the passenger side and was in a verbal dispute with an unknown man in the driver’s seat.
“She then exited the vehicle and stated she then observed the vehicle continue and crash into the van in the driveway,” police said.
Security camera footage captured Gilbert in the area of the crash and then leaving the scene.
Gilbert claims the vehicle was a push-to-start vehicle, and she never lost possession of the key but states the car was still able to operate without a key at all times.
Gilbert was transported to the Brevard County Jail for processing.
