***UPDATE 09/17/2025 10:35 a.m.***
“John Doe’s” identity has been officially confirmed to be 31-year-old Lester Edgardo Ouando Cruz.
***Original Story***
The identity of the “John Doe” vehicle thief in Manitowoc is still unknown.
The man, who was being held under the name Lester Edgardo Ouando Cruz, was given a $500 cash bond by Court Commissioner Patricia Koppa on charges of Operating a Vehicle Without the Owner’s Consent, Resisting or Obstructing an Officer, and Possession of THC.
As of this morning, he has yet to furnish his bail.
Manitowoc Police located a truck reported stolen, parked at Blue Rail Park, and Ouando Cruz was seen sitting nearby.
He quickly handed over the keys, but gave multiple names through a translator before admitting at least one of them was fake.
He also reportedly admitted to taking the truck without permission as the victim owed him money.
We have been in contact with the Manitowoc Police Department, which, at last word, has yet to confirm his identity.
As a part of his bail, the man currently known officially as a John Doe was ordered to have no contact with the victim and to provide an address to the court after his release.
He will be back in court on September 22nd for his initial appearance in Branch 4.
