Lang
11/17/22
Iowa City Police say a Cedar Rapids man failed to return a brand new BMW he borrowed from an Iowa City car rental agency two years ago, leading to his arrest on theft charges.
Investigators say 36-year-old Terry Gantt of Bridgit Court SE rented a 2021 BMW from Enterprise Rent-A-Car on Highway 1 West on December 16th, 2020, with a listed return date of December 21st. Gantt allegedly cancelled the credit card he used to rent the vehicle, then failed to return it.
Police say Gantt failed to return phone calls inquiring about the whereabouts of the vehicle and requesting updated credit card information. On the occasions when Gantt could be reached, he reportedly promised to bring back the car, but he never did.
On multiple occasions Gantt would allegedly tell Enterprise employees that the car was parked at a specific location in Cedar Rapids, and they could pick it up there. The car was never present when the employees would arrive.
Gantt is now charged with 1st Degree Theft and Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Owners’ Consent. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum of 12 years in prison.