Deputies from Constable Mark Herman's Office made an arrest in connection with a cunning car sale scam in Harris County. Malik Alston was nabbed for the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after he allegedly used a bogus cashier's check to fraudulently acquire a car. The sting played out on Cascade Bend Lane where the unsuspecting seller had advertised the $50,000 vehicle on Facebook Marketplace.
The victim, whose brush with Alston left him shaken, claimed to have been intimidated into handing over his vehicle to the suspect. The Harris County Constable's Office said the complainant "was in fear for his life so he gave the male suspect the car keys and vehicle." Deputies had to meticulously trace the suspect before finally clamping down on Alston days later.
According to a statement obtained by the official Facebook page of Constable Mark Herman's Office, "Malik Alston was arrested and booked in the Harris County Jail, charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle." The conniving suspect was snared and his bond decision was pending from the 178th District Court at the time of the report.
While the incident serves as a stark reminder for individuals selling property online to vigorously verify the authenticity of buyer's payments, it also stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by local law enforcement. The constable's office has promised to provide updates as Alston awaits his bonding verdict. The quick response of the deputies certainly to quickly restore some semblance of peace to the victim and the local community.
