PLACER COUNTY, Calif. — One person was arrested and two others are still wanted in connection with a car buying scam across California.
The Placer County Sheriff's Office says it started warning people about the scam in February. It involved the suspect linking up with someone who put their car up for sale. The suspect would pour oil in the radiator while the victim was distracted by at least two other people who arrived to the meetup with the suspect. During the test drive, the car would smoke, the suspect would say the engine was blown and low-ball an offer.
Deputies say the same group of suspects was linked to cases investigated by the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, Stockton Police Department, Riverside County Sheriff's Office, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and Corona Police Department.
Three cases of felony vandalism and felony theft by false pretense were filed against Michael Tanase, Constatin Mustata and Florin Tanase, according to the sheriff's office.
Michael Tanase had a run-in at a casino in Oklahoma and was arrested on suspicion of being drunk in public and disturbing the peace. Police learned about his warrant and Placer County sheriff's deputies picked him up from Love County, Oklahoma.
Mustata and Tanase haven't been found yet.
Deputies say while the crimes have slowed, they are still encouraging people to be vigilant.
