On July 20th, , police were called to Baxter Auto at 6601 Telluride on a report of check fraud. When officers arrived, they learned that a male and female came into the car dealership on July 18th and wrote a check for a 2020 Dodge Durango for $54,285. The male and female both produced photo ID’s during the purchase of the vehicle and were identified by police and employees. The check was later found to be a starter check with no funds in the account.
About two hours later, police learned that the same two people had been to Greg Young Auto at 6500 Telluride on July 17th. At that time, they purchased a 2017 Dodge Durango. The female wrote the check for $35,589 from the same account and both produced photo ID’s. Around 6 p.m. on July 20th, officers learned that they had also been to the Dillon’s Auto at 6341 N 28th Street and attempted to purchase three vehicles using the same checking account for a total amount of $101,076. The dealership checked with the bank who indicated that the checks were fraudulent. The employee turned them away and they left.
Unrelated to this investigation, the Lancaster County Metro Fugitive Task Force received information that Benjamin Brantner, 21 years old, was in the area of Dillon’s Auto around 2:30 p.m. on July 20th in the 2020 Dodge Durango and he was known to have a felony warrant for Robbery. Investigators were able to identify Brantner as a passenger and Ashley Lovstad, 19 years old, as the driver as they left the area of Dillon’s Auto.
When contacted by police near 14th and Highway 2, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. Due to the dangerous driving behavior, officers did not pursue. Later that day they were taken into custody in the 1200 block of Cold Spring by the Lancaster County Metro Fugitive Task Force.
Ashley was arrested for Flee to Avoid Arrest and felony Theft by Deception, however, more charges are likely. Brantner was arrested for the warrant and more charges are likely. Both vehicles have been recovered.
This investigation is on-going.