Man admits to 'lurping' in neighborhood

A man was taken into custody for allegedly ‘lurping’ in a Tempe neighborhood. Someone called police just after 1 a.m. on Tuesday reporting a car robbery in progress in the 1900 block of east Hermosa Drive.

The witness told police the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Michael Stout, had unlawfully entered a vehicle in the neighborhood. Stout fled the scene when he saw police in a Chevy Blazer driven by 20-year-old Vanessa Featherston, a Mesa resident.

Tempe police was able to catch up to the suspect vehicle and officers conducted a high-risk stop on the U.S. 60 freeway west of Alma School Road. Stout was taken into custody during the traffic stop. He later told police during an interview that he was out “lurping.” He explained to officers that “lurping” is when you go through vehicles looking for money.

He was booked into Tempe City Jail and faces burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of marijuana and false reporting to law enforcement. Police determined that Featherston was impaired at the time of the traffic stop and was also arrested. She faces charges of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving on a suspended license.