Would-be buyer steals luxury SUV in Caledonia

A test drive turned into Grand Theft Auto in Caledonia on Wednesday.

Haldimand County OPP say a resident on Fleming Street had a 7 p.m. appointment to show a luxury SUV to a prospective buyer who had responded to an online marketplace ad.

The buyer got into the car and promptly closed the door, locking out the owner, according to police.

Police say the alleged thief peeled away behind the wheel of the now-stolen grey 2018 Range Rover Velar, with a newer-model black Cadillac Escalade following close behind.

The stolen Range Rover had vanity plates reading AAZZ."

The vehicle was in perfect condition," the police report noted.

Police describe the suspect as a man who is five-foot-nine with black hair slicked back and facial stubble. He wore a black jacket and black pants with coloured running shoes.

Police said the suspect spoke with a high-pitched" voice and had a silver earring in one ear.

J.P. Antonacci's reporting on Haldimand and Norfolk is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. jpantonacci@thespec.com