UTICA, NY – On November 21st, Utica Police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from the 1200 block of Miller Street. The victim, who had parked the vehicle in a driveway several days prior, discovered it missing upon their return. Initial inquiries in the neighborhood revealed that a tow truck had been seen removing the vehicle, but the company involved was unknown.
The case took a turn when, days later, the victim located their vehicle at a local salvage yard. They informed the police that they had not authorized its removal and maintained ownership of the vehicle.
A member of the Criminal Investigations Division, assigned to the case due to the vehicle’s value, investigated further. At the salvage yard, the investigator received paperwork signed by someone claiming to be the owner. However, the true owner reiterated that no permission had been granted for the sale or removal of the vehicle.
The investigation led to the identification of the individual who signed the paperwork and claimed ownership. During an interview, it was discovered that this person had no authority to sell the vehicle and had falsely claimed ownership to facilitate its sale.