I think if LE had been transparent about their suspicions, he may well have done. But the six week delay with seemingly little progress in terms of the information released to the public might have made him feel safe - maybe even untouchable. It would explain why he felt comfortable keeping the Elantra.These guys think they are so smart but they never do the only thing that helps: ditch the car in a small-town airport parking lot and leave the country.
They read all these big-brain PhD books but don't remember the only advice that matters in a life of crime: don't let yourself get attached to anything you aren't willing to leave in 30 seconds flat when you feel the heat around the corner.