ST. PAUL, Minn. - With temperatures topping 100 degrees on Wednesday, the owner of a van that was converted to an ice cream truck left it running while he went inside a St. Paul convenience store only to have the truck stolen.
Joseph Facente, 36, of St. Paul, was pulled over later on Wednesday by a Mendota Heights police officer at Interstate 35E and Highway 13, according to a criminal complaint.
Officers said Facente told them he had permission to "sell ice cream around the neighborhood."
Facente denied taking the van because he told police he had the keys.
He faces a theft of motor vehicle charge. He faces 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
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