Identity Theft Suspect Caught On Camera In La Mesa

SAN DIGEO COUNTY, CA – Authorities released surveillance photos Thursday of a man suspected of identity theft in San Diego County. San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the Santee Sheriff's Station are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating the suspect.

The suspect allegedly used a stolen credit card number Aug. 21-22 to make about $900 in unauthorized purchases at the Shell Gas Station located at 5302 Lake Murray Boulevard in La Mesa, the Sarku Japan restaurant at the Fashion Valley Mall and at the Travel Mart in Mission Valley, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

The victim from Santee said she never lost her credit card and doesn't know how her personal information was stolen, officials said.

Surveillance video from the Shell Gas Station in La Mesa shows the suspect getting into the backseat of a white SUV when he left the area. There appeared to be two more people inside the vehicle.

According to the clerk at the Travel Mart in Mission Valley, the suspect presented a pink out of state driver's license, officials said. He was accompanied by a black man with short hair and a pink collared shirt. The companion was also spotted with the suspect at Sarku Japan at the Fashion Valley Mall, officials said.

The suspect was described as a white man between 20 and 30 years old with short brown hair. He was unshaven. The suspect was last seen wearing dark sunglasses, a dark Lucky Brand T-shirt, plaid shorts and dark skater-style shoes.

Anyone with information on the identity or location of the suspect is asked to call the Santee Sheriff's Station at 619-956‐4000 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477. Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in this case. Information on how to send anonymous emails and mobile app tips is available at www.sdcrimestoppers.org.

Photos via San Diego County Sheriff's Department