The suspect uses a female profile on Facebook, contacts individuals who are generally selling higher end, newer vehicles and arranges to meet the seller in a public parking lot
VANCOUVER – Between Aug. 1-19, the Vancouver Police Department has taken four vehicle theft reports with similar circumstances.
The suspect uses a female profile on Facebook, contacts individuals who are generally selling higher end, newer vehicles on Facebook marketplace and arranges to meet the seller in a public parking lot. Prior to the meeting, the suspect contacts the seller advising them they are sending their husband to look at the vehicle. The suspect meets with the seller in person and requests to test drive the vehicle and once he obtains the keys from the seller, and before the seller can get in the car, the suspect jumps in and drives off.
The suspect is described as a black male, early to mid-20s, thin build (approximately 150 pounds), 5-foot-8 with short dreadlocks or shoulder length hair.
The Vancouver Police Department Property Crimes Unit is investigating these incidents.
Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Tip Line at (360) 487-7399.
The Vancouver Police Department encourages anyone selling a vehicle via an online post to consider these safety strategies:
- Meet in a well populated location that preferably has video surveillance, such as a Vancouver Police Safe Exchange Zone.
- Don’t go alone. Bring another adult with you.
- Never hand over the keys or allow a solo test drive.
- If something feels suspicious, such as a last-minute change to the meeting location or person, don’t continue with the meeting.
- If during the meeting you feel uncomfortable, end the sale and leave.
Information provided by Vancouver Police Department.
Also read:
- $1B for WA broadband gets Trump administration approval
Federal approval unlocks over $1 billion to expand high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities across Washington. - WA passes legislation requiring no-cost insurance for state recommended vaccines
House Bill 2242 shifts the trigger for no-cost vaccine insurance coverage in Washington from federal recommendations to the state Department of Health. - Opinion: WA House Finance Committee passes income tax bill
Ryan Frost argues that ESSB 6346, which would impose a 9.9 percent income tax, advances to the House floor despite widespread opposition and ongoing budget growth. - Journey Theater presents Mary Poppins
Journey Theater will stage six performances of Mary Poppins at Fort Vancouver High School beginning March 6, featuring a cast of local youth performers. - Opinion: A-pillars – The safety feature that increases crashes
Doug Dahl explains how wider A-pillars designed to protect occupants in rollovers may also reduce visibility and increase crash risk for other road users. - Area cat rescue to host ‘Hisses Get Kisses’ online auction
Furry Friends will host its sixth annual online auction March 23–29 to help fund more than 900 projected spay and neuter surgeries and ongoing medical care for cats in Clark County. - POLL: Will lawmakers’ actions at Tuesday’s State of the Union Address impact your voting in the upcoming mid-term election?
Clark County Today’s latest poll asks voters whether lawmakers’ conduct during the State of the Union will influence their mid-term election decisions.
