A buyer in the San Antonio area bought a Chevy pickup for $4,100 on Facebook Marketplace. After meeting the seller at a gas station on U.S. 281 in Bulverde, inspecting, and test-driving the truck, he left with it. A few hours later, he returned to the seller’s home, waited about 20 minutes, and drove the truck into the garage door, causing significant damage.
What deputies say
The Bexar County Sheriff's Office reports that the deal was made on an "as is" basis and that the seller shared screenshots of messages in which the buyer acknowledged mechanical and electrical problems, including an oil leak. Deputies say that after the sale, the buyer contacted the seller and demanded to undo the deal, then allegedly showed up at the home uninvited before the crash into the garage. Investigators describe the suspect as about 6 feet tall and 200 pounds and are asking anyone with information to call the sheriff’s tip line at 210-335-6000, according to Fox San Antonio.
Marketplace sales can turn dangerous
Consumer advocates have long warned that private vehicle deals arranged online can go sideways fast, from scams that empty a buyer’s wallet to confrontations that leave behind a repair bill. The Better Business Bureau has highlighted common vehicle-listing schemes and urges people to meet in public, double-check all paperwork, and be wary of cash-only sales, as mentioned by CarPro.
Not an isolated problem
Crimes tied to online vehicle listings have surfaced around the country. In one recent case, an Eagle County buyer picked up a truck via Facebook Marketplace only to discover it had been stolen, per CBS News Colorado. Law enforcement officials say situations like these highlight the importance of confirming a vehicle’s title, steering clear of cash-only deals when possible, and completing transactions at police stations or other designated public exchange zones.
How to help
The Bexar County Sheriff's Office has identified the man they are looking for as Victor Rodriguez and is asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the sheriff’s tip line at 210-335-6000. Deputies say formal charges have not been publicly announced at this time and advise that anyone who believes they see Rodriguez should not approach him and should instead contact law enforcement, according to Fox San Antonio.
