Investigators Search For Stolen Maserati, Suspect Who Drove It Off Dealership Lot
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Sheriff's investigators need help finding a stolen Maserati and the suspect who drove the luxury car off a dealership lot.
The suspect posed as a customer interested in the blue 2008 Maserati Gran Turismo at Motor Village L.A. near the Staples Center, L.A. County sheriff's Lt. Dominic Valencia said.
He asked a salesman for the ignition key, saying he wanted to hear the engine, Valencia said.
"[Our associate] got the keys from our secure department, came back out, gave [the suspect] the keys. He stood by the vehicle and he stood right there. The individual started the vehicle, listened to the vehicle and almost immediately after slammed the car into drive and drove off. We're very fortunate that our associate wasn't hit and right in front of the actual walkway there wasn't any customers or pedestrians walking around," Motor Village LA manager Mike Bell told CBS2.
The salesman obliged, holding the driver's side door open as the customer sat in the driver's seat.
Officials say that's when the suspect put the car in drive and drove off, heading northbound on Figueroa, Valencia said.
The Gran Turismo taken was valued at $75,000. Pop star Britney Spears reportedly has a $150,000 version of the model.
The suspect, who was seen on a surveillance video, was white, about 5-foot-5-inches, with a shaved head.
Anyone with information about the car or the suspect was asked to call (800)299-TRAP.
