PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – A South Florida man appeared in bond court Thursday after police said he tried to purchase a Cadillac SUV with a stolen identity.
Salespeople at Vera Cadillac in Pembroke Pines said Israel Valle, 57, walked in Wednesday like a regular customer, wanting to buy a black Cadillac Escalade worth almost $100,000.
They said Valle said he was in hurry and had only 10 minutes to purchase the vehicle.
Pembroke Pines police said Valle has done the same thing at other dealerships, and that this is an ongoing investigation.
Employees said they were tipped off by sister dealership Williamson Cadillac that a ring of people have been trying to buy vehicles with fake information.
"Williamson forwarded us photos of the gentleman, so we knew what he looked like prior to (this incident), and then once the situation began to unfold, it was just too similar," salesman Jorge Ovalles said.
Valle, who authorities said got away with a car from the Williamson dealership, was arrested at the dealership in Pembroke Pines.
"We're glad he's off the streets because this happens everyday in this business," general sales manager Jorge Morales said.
Morales said vigilance and communication on their part helped put a stop to the accused repeat fraudster.
"I tell all my salespeople to be vigilant, let us know if they think something's not right and we'll talk to that customer," Morales said.
Valle is being held in lieu of a $70,000 bond.
He faces multiple charges, including possession of a forged driver's license or ID, grand theft auto and fraudulently impersonating or using another person's ID.