Which of the following motivations might explain why a suspect stole a vehicle?

The motivation for stealing a vehicle can vary widely depending on the context and circumstances surrounding the crime. Joyriding refers to taking a vehicle for fun and often without the intent to keep it; it represents a spontaneous thrill-seeking behavior. This is a common motivation, particularly among younger individuals.

The option regarding selling parts for profit highlights another practical motivation for vehicle theft. Many stolen vehicles are stripped for valuable components, which can be sold on the black market or to unsuspecting buyers. This represents a calculated and financially motivated aspect of vehicle theft.

Additionally, stealing a vehicle to flee a crime indicates a strategic motivation where the suspect uses the stolen vehicle as a means of escape from law enforcement or to distance themselves from a crime scene. This is often seen in more planned criminal activity where the vehicle is an essential tool in executing or evading consequences of a crime.

Since each of these motivations—joyriding, profit from selling parts, and fleeing a crime—represents valid and distinct reasons a suspect might steal a vehicle, the most comprehensive answer encapsulates all of them. Thus, acknowledging that any or all of these motivations could apply illustrates the complexity of criminal behavior in vehicle theft scenarios.