SANTA ROSA, Calif. (BRAIN) — The Sonoma County District Attorney's Office issued a felony arrest warrant for a man stealing bikes from retailers using fraudulent identification and credit cards.
Andrew Busch, 34, is wanted for burglary, identity theft, and grand theft, said Sgt. Ryan Hepp of the Santa Rosa Police Department Property Crimes Team. Busch also has active felony arrest warrants out of Marin and Contra Costa counties for similar crimes, according to Hepp, who emailed BRAIN to warn other shops of the scheme.
Hepp said the suspect targets local bike shops for high-end e-bikes, typically arranging for a rental or test ride with fraudulent identification and credit card. After taking the bike, he sells it to an individual. Hepp said the mode is similar to the Florida man arrested in connection with credit card fraud at several Pennsylvania bike shops last year.
The Santa Rosa Police Department's Property Crimes Team began investigating on Jan. 23 after a man later identified as Busch rented a red Specialized Levo SL, valued at $7,000, from the Trail House bike shop in Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa police discovered there was a similar investigation ongoing in other counties.
The Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards Fund is offering up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of Busch.
Anyone with information on the theft or Busch's location should contact the Santa Rosa Police Department Tip Line.
