Arcadia Fraudulent Porsche Seller Awaits Arraignment

LAKE FOREST, CA - It doesn't pay to sell a car that isn't yours. On Monday, charges were pending against an Arcadia man who allegedly posed as the seller of a Porsche Cayenne, meeting a prospective buyer at an Irvine McDonald's.

Police stated that the alleged and tried to make off with $50,000 in cash that a buyer brought to a McDonald's parking lot in Irvine to close the deal.

The victim arranged to meet Ziwen Li, 30, of Arcadia in the parking lot of the fast-food restaurant at 3800 block of Portola Parkway last Tuesday to buy the Cayenne the suspect had listed for sale, according to Kim Mohr of the Irvine Police Department.

"When the victim got into the vehicle Li was driving, Li told him he would not sell the man the car, but would take the money 'for a friend,'" Mohr alleged.

The victim then tried to get out of the vehicle, but Li allegedly pulled him back in and tried to snag his backpack stuffed with the cash.

"A struggle ensued, with Li allegedly punching the victim twice in the face as the man's shouts for help drew passersby," Mohr said.

The victim, whose name was withheld, managed to get out of the vehicle with the backpack full of cash, prompting Li to holler threats as he raced away, Mohr stated.

Li was arrested in Arcadia on Thursday and posted bail the following day.

Irvine Police Department Photo