Identity Thief Busted By Kia Dealership

Read the full story on The Auto Wire

Identity theft isn’t a joke, it’s a crime, but one alleged ID thief in Memphis, Tennessee was grinning from ear to ear while taking delivery of two brand new SUVs. That didn’t last long when during a ceremony to celebrate the purchases, police came in and busted the guy, putting him in handcuffs and unceremoniously taking him to jail.

Watch an Audi S5 black out to lose an Arkansas trooper.

A TikTok video showing the moment the guy is handed the keys during a mini celebration, then police come in and cuff him is going viral. Most people are just seeing that short 18-second video with zero context and drawing their own conclusions. But we have the rest of the story.

According to the Memphis Police Department, on August 10 officers responded to Gossett Kia after an employee called about William Hayes attempting to buy two Telluride SUVs using a fake ID. The dealer was able to determine the information on the driver’s license Hayes provided was for someone who is now deceased.

Instead of just rushing in there with guns blazing, police waited for Hayes to complete all the purchase paperwork for the Kias. Those vehicles have a combined worth of $158,885 say police, so Hayes was in big trouble.

He was charged with Forgery $60,000-$250,000 and Attempted Theft of Property $60,000-$250,000. Hayes’ bond was set at $50,000.00.

While this all might seem funny, people steal vehicles through deception like this pretty often. It’s really no different than breaking into a dealership in the middle of the night, prying open a key box, and driving off with one of the cars.

To see someone get busted for this kind of crime while thinking they not only got away with it but are being celebrated in the process is some sweet justice.

Images via Memphis Police Department/Facebook, taylorashlanbender/TikTok

Follow The Auto Wire on Google News.

Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.