Man Arrested After Trying To Sell Rental Car In Belmont Craigslist Deal
BELMONT (CBS SF) - A 59-year-old man was arrested in Belmont during the weekend after he allegedly advertised a rented car for sale on Craigslist and stole a cash deposit, according to police.
A family responded to a posting Saturday on Craigslist that advertised a 2011 Nissan Altima for sale, according to Belmont police.
The alleged seller, Christopher John Prew, arranged to meet the buyers at a Belmont shopping center to arrange the purchase.
The victims met with Prew and agreed to buy the car, police said. They handed over a $500 cash deposit and Prew allegedly told them he would meet them later to give them the title to the car and complete the transaction.
The victims grew suspicious and called police after Prew drove off.
Officers determined that Prew had rented the car, which was registered to Hertz.
Police set up a sting and called Prew posing as another potential buyer.
A meeting was set up at another location in Belmont, and Prew was arrested when he drove up in the Nissan, police said.
He was booked into San Mateo County jail for theft by false pretense and an outstanding arrest warrant out of Santa Clara County.
The car was returned to Hertz.
Anyone who might have information regarding the theft or any similar crimes involving the suspect is asked to contact the Belmont Police Department at (650) 595-7400.
(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
