TAMPA, Fla. — A man is accused of stealing a car from the Tampa General Hospital valet parking lot.
According to police, Frank John Ruilova, is charged with grand theft motor vehicle, dealing in stolen property, false information on pawnbroker form, and two counts of petit theft.
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Tampa Police Detectives said Friday night, Ruilova lied to the valet attendant at the hospital, claiming he lost his ticket and needed his keys. According to the report, obtained by ABC Action News, the attendant not only let Ruilova look for the keys in the valet box, but walked away because he was busy.
The report indicates the attendant did not follow proper protocols and will be let go from his position.
According to police, there is security video of the incident and you can see Ruilova walking around the parking lot until he found the car. The owner of the car was checked into the hospital for medical issues and when they tried going home they couldn't because their car was missing.
Detectives said Ruilova drove the car to South Manhattan Avenue where they found him asleep in the driver's seat.
"He came. He parked here. (He) laid down for a while (then) went inside to his friend," an unidentified neighbor said.
Detectives said Ruilova told them he stole the car because he has a drug problem. He told detectives he felt bad about the crime because he saw car seats in the car and he wanted to return it, but did not.
TGH staff told ABC Action News they worked with TPD to help find the stolen car. It was found a little more than 24 hours after it was stolen. It was not damaged.
According to police, within the last 6 months there have not been any other reports of stolen cars from the hospital.
TGH staff said they have a contract with the valet company and have since given them further training.
According to police, Ruilova is a suspect in another stolen car case. Detectives said he is suspected of stealing a car from WestShore Plaza. Police said he acted like he was in a hurry in that case, distracting the valet attendants.
