Salinas Police: Scam suspects steal $3,000 from woman

UPDATE: Thursday, April 4, 5:40 p.m. Salinas Police are searching for two suspects involved in a violent robbery.

Police said a woman first approached the victim on the 1300 block of Garner Avenue and asked her for help with directions. Later, a man drove by and offered the women diamonds at a “discount rate.” The victim agreed to let the man drive her to a nearby Bank of America where she withdrew $3,000 in cash, but got nervous and changed her mind about the purchase. Police said that is when the man yanked the money from her hands, dragged her out of the car, and left her on a sidewalk.

“I’m scared because people walk here all the time and then this kind of thing happens,” said Garner Avenue resident, Teresa Torres.

Salinas Police said they believe the woman that first approached the victim was working with the man selling the diamonds. Oddly enough, the same technique was used in two other cases reported in the past month and a half. One of these cases involved the sale of diamonds, as well. Police believe they could be all connected.

“These people are obviously being sucessful. There’s a gain to what they’re doing and it’s obviously illegal. They may be a part of the same team of scammers that’s working this area,” said Salinas Police Department Communications Officer, Miguel Cabrera.

Police were able to track the suspect’s license plate to a rental car shop in Los Angeles. Neighbors said until an arrest is made they will be cautious. “Thank you for telling us because people need to know that not everyone can be trusted,” said Torres.

Anyone with information which can help lead to the suspect’s arrest should call Officer Robert Hernandez at 831-758-7090.

PREVIOUS STORY: Salinas Police are trying to track down the suspect in a scam that turned violent.

Police say the incident happened Wednesday, with the suspect making his initial contact with a victim while she was walking.

The suspect offered the woman “personal items” at a “dramatically reduced price,” according to Salinas Police.

He also offered her a ride to the bank, which she accepted.

It wasn’t until they got to the bank and she had the cash in hand that the woman realized this may have been a scam.

The suspect grabbed the money from her when she refused to hand it over and dragged her out of his vehicle.

The vehicle he was traveling in is described as a 2007 Honda Civic. The license plate is in the photo as well.

We’ll be sharing the photo of the suspect on Wake Up throughout this morning.

Anyone with information which can help lead to the suspect’s arrest should call Officer Robert Hernandez at 831-758-7090.