LEWISTON, ID – A 19-year-old Clarkston man is facing a felony charge of grand theft after Nez Perce County authorities say he admitted to being in possession of a stolen vehicle.

Ayden B. Roach, 19, was arrested in the early morning hours of July 16 following a traffic stop on Nez Perce Drive in Lewiston.

According to court documents filed in Nez Perce County District Court, Roach was pulled over after a deputy observed a vehicle on Thain Grade traveling with the headlights set to high-beam. The vehicle, a silver Mazda 3, pulled into the Ernie’s Steakhouse parking lot and came to a stop.

Roach, who was driving, was unable to provide vehicle registration or proof of insurance and did not have a valid driver’s license. A records check revealed Roach had an active warrant for his arrest.

According to the documents, Roach allegedly admitted he and a friend had found the vehicle at a residence in the 600 block of 10th Street in Lewiston. Roach told deputies the keys were inside the vehicle and that he did not know the owner.

The registered owner confirmed to authorities that he did not know Roach or anyone involved and had not given permission for the vehicle to be used.

Roach was booked into the Nez Perce County Jail. He has been charged with one count of grand theft, a felony. If convicted, Roach faces up to 14 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
Roach was also cited for operating a vehicle without a license and failure to dim headlamps for an approaching vehicle.

Court documents note that Roach has already failed to appear in court for another recent case.

Roach made his initial appearance in court on Wednesday afternoon.  Bond was set at $5,000 with pre-trial conditions that include drug and alcohol testing, no new criminal charges and electronic monitoring.