A 51-year-old Modesto man who was out of jail on bail awaiting trial for auto theft was arrested Friday afternoon for the same charge after he was caught by Ceres Police driving a stolen car.

At 2:48 p.m., Ceres Police Officer Ian Perry was patrolling the area of Fowler Road and Rose Avenue when he observed a white Nissan Rogue he suspected of being stolen. Officer Perry followed the driver, Kenneth McWilliam, 51, of Modesto, as he pulled into the parking lot of Chicago Pizza at 1825 Mitchell Road. After additional officers arrived, a high-risk stop was conducted and McWilliam and his passenger were removed from the car.

McWilliam was found to be out on bail and on probation for possession of a stolen vehicle. He was arrested on new charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, auto theft and committing a crime while out on bail. He was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center.

The passenger was determined to be uninvolved and was released from the scene.