Synopsis
Fairfield police apprehended a suspect involved in the theft and subsequent sale of a stolen vehicle through Facebook Marketplace.
Detailed Account
On March 8th, 2023, Fairfield Police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from the Walmart parking lot at 1601 North Texas Street. The victim provided a description of the stolen car: a silver 2012 Hyundai Sonata with California license plate 7DMW203.
Investigation
Investigators swiftly commenced their inquiry and scoured local pawn shops and online marketplaces for any trace of the stolen vehicle. Their tireless efforts led them to a listing on Facebook Marketplace, where a silver 2012 Hyundai Sonata matching the description of the stolen car was being offered for sale.
Undercover Operation
To verify the identity of the seller and retrieve the stolen vehicle, Fairfield Police officers devised an undercover operation. A plainclothes detective contacted the seller, posing as a potential buyer. The seller, identified as 23-year-old Aaron Williams, arranged a meeting at a local Target store on North Texas Street.
Apprehension
As Williams arrived at the designated meeting spot in the silver Sonata, the undercover detective positively identified the vehicle as the one reported stolen. Williams was immediately apprehended by responding police officers.
Recovery of Stolen Vehicle
The recovered Sonata was returned to its rightful owner, who expressed immense gratitude to the Fairfield Police Department for their swift and efficient response.
Suspect's Criminal History
Further investigation revealed that Williams had a prior criminal record, including arrests for possession of stolen property and vehicle theft.
Facebook Marketplace's Role
Police emphasized the prevalence of stolen vehicles being sold through online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. They cautioned buyers to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of sellers before finalizing any transactions.
Precautionary Measures for Buyers
To safeguard against purchasing stolen vehicles, Fairfield Police advise the following precautions:
- Verify the seller's identity through a driver's license or other official identification.
- Request a vehicle history report to ascertain the vehicle's ownership and any potential liens or accidents.
- Inspect the vehicle thoroughly for signs of tampering or suspicious modifications.
- Meet in a safe and public location to conduct the transaction.
- Trust your instincts: if something seems amiss, do not proceed with the purchase.
Commendation for Fairfield Police
Fairfield Police Chief Randy Fenn praised the department's diligent investigation and collaboration with the community, which led to the successful recovery of the stolen vehicle and the apprehension of the suspect.
Ongoing Investigations
The investigation into the stolen car sale on Facebook Marketplace is ongoing, and Fairfield Police are actively examining all leads to identify any potential accomplices or additional stolen vehicles.
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