RUMFORD – Police credited an off-duty officer who was heading out into the woods early Tuesday morning with finding a stolen car before it was reported missing.

After spotting a 1996 Ford Escort station wagon in a ditch beside Eaton Hill Road off Swain Road at about 6:30 a.m., Sgt. Stacey Carter investigated.

“As testimony to his skills, Stacey discovered it was stolen before it was reported stolen by a Rumford victim,” said officer Doug Maifeld.

Shortly after Carter alerted police, the car’s owner called to report the theft.

Whoever took the car, smashed out its windows, Maifeld added. As of early Tuesday evening, police still had no suspects. Damage was estimated at $500.

tkarkos@sunjournal