- Home
- News Grid
- Local News
- Green Hawk
- Business
- Politics
- School Zone
- Nonprofits
- Missing Pets
- Multimedia
- Arts
- Movies
- Outdoors
- Sports
- News Releases
- Columnists
- Blogs
- Opinions
- Classifieds
- Advertise
- Donate
- Partners
Detectives Release Images of Suspected Con Artists
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department has released surveillance images of a couple that authorities say is suspected of stealing hundreds of dollars from a Chinese student who had arrived in Santa Barbara just hours earlier.
The 23-year-old student had planned to attend a three-month English as a Second Language class in Santa Barbara. He checked into a motel on upper State Street on Wednesday, Aug. 11 before walking to La Cumbre Plaza to purchase a cell phone, according to Sheriff’ Department spokesman Drew Sugars.
He said the student, who was at an Apple kiosk vending machine inside the Macy’s department store, was approached by a man who said he could help buy him a phone for less money. The victim gave the suspect $700.
The suspect, accompanied by a woman and a young girl, drove the victim to a cell phone store in the Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta, which was closed for the night.
The victim told police that the female suspect told him she could go in through a back door and pick up a cell phone. When the student told the couple he wanted the iPhone 4, he was told that it would be another $200, which he provided.
As the woman walked behind the building, the male suspect took the victim to a gas station on the 6800 block of Hollister Avenue.
The suspect planned to purchase two sodas, but said he left his wallet in his car. He promised to return. After the victim had waited in the store for two hours, the store clerk called law enforcement.
The male suspect was described as 30 years old, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with dark black hair.
Sheriff’s detectives have released surveillance images hoping that someone may recognize one or both suspects. The suspects are believed to have been driving a white four-door 2007 Ford Fusion or similar model vehicle.
Anyone with information about the suspected is asked to call sheriff’s detectives at 805.681.4150 or the Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip Line at 805.681.4171.
— Noozhawk managing editor Michelle Nelson can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Comments
Noozhawk's comments are moderated, but by posting here you accept your responsibility to follow our rules as part of Noozhawk's shared online community. Please keep your comments civil and helpful. Don't attack other readers personally, and do not use vulgar, abusive or discriminatory language. Use the "Report Abuse" link if a comment violates these standards or our Terms of Use.
More Local News »
Authorities Locate SBCC Student Reported Missing
His mother had asked for the public's help finding her 20-year-old 'special needs' son
Red Flag Warning Canceled; Wind Advisory Still in Effect
Sunny skies are expected to give way to some clouds over the weekend
Santa Barbara Breaks Record With High of 86 Degrees
Previous mark for May 23 was 82, set in 1949, according to the National Weather Service
Santa Maria Man Facing Child Molestation Charges
Victim reports being sexually abused over a period of time by the suspect
Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Suspect in Retail Thefts
Surveillance photo shows person wanted in connection with thefts at two Santa Barbara stores
Weather: A Few Clouds 52.0º
Search Noozhawk »
