Derrick George Carpenter, a 20-year-old Lunenburg man, was convicted recently of stealing a motor vehicle from in front of a convenience store in Kenbridge, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Clement.

Carpenter was sentenced to five years in prison with all time suspended except 20 days. He was also convicted of driving on a suspended license.

According to Clement, the incident occurred July 10 at approximately 2:30 in the morning. Kenbridge Police Officer Aaron Stokes received a call saying a local man had parked his 2006 Dodge Charger in front of A-Plus Convenience Store and went inside. In the meantime, a fight occurred outside.

“As the owner of the car attempted to keep people away from his car, Carpenter jumped into the vehicle and took off with it. An individual identified Carpenter and later had a telephone conversation with him in which he told him he had wrecked the car near Kenbridge Elementary School,” Clement said.

“Carpenter had left the scene, but police later that day made an arrest. Carpenter, at first, denied his involvement to the police, but pled guilty in court.”

Just more than $5,000 worth of damage was done to the car, which was covered by insurance.

In addition to the jail sentence, Carpenter must also be of good behavior for five years, on supervised probation for one year, subject to warrantless searches and seizures for five years and have no contact with the victim. He was also ordered to pay restitution of any amount not covered by the insurance, Clement said.