A Brooklyn man was arrested for grand larceny after he allegedly stole a car from the home from the victim, who bought the car the day before from an online seller.
On January 18, a male victim, 46, agreed to purchase a 2024 Acura MDX from an unknown seller through Facebook Marketplace. Both parties agreed to meet in the vicinity of the victim’s residence. The victim tested out the vehicle and paid $38,000. The seller provided the purchaser with one key fob, a title and identification.
The following day, at 3:27 p.m., the male victim parked his car in the driveway at his Baldwin residence. The victim observed an unknown subject in his driveway remotely unlock and enter his vehicle and then drive off in an unknown direction. He called 911 and reported the incident.
After a thorough investigation, police determined that Edwin Ortiz, 28, of 200 Throop Avenue, was responsible for the crime. On September 30, Nassau County detectives located Ortiz and placed him under arrest without incident. No injuries were reported.
Police charged Ortiz with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Forgery in the Second Degree and Identity Theft in the First Degree. He was arraigned on October 1 at First District Court in Hempstead.