SA car thief caught by citizen's arrest

A car thief has been left red-faced after a witness chased him down and put him under citizen's arrest in South Australia.

After seeing the 35-year-old man allegedly drive off in a stolen Toyota at a Mount Gambier car yard on Saturday, a witness gave chase, police say.

The driver abandoned the stolen car and started running, but was caught by the witness and another person on foot.

They held him until police arrived.

Police arrested the Mount Gambier man and charged him with illegal use and driving unlicensed.

He was refused bail and is due to appear in court on Monday.

The car sustained minor damage to the bumper, as it rolled into a fence after being abandoned in Wyatt Street.