DeWitt (WSYR-TV) – A man suspected of swiping a vehicle from Fucillo was arrested at ShoppingTown Mall on Tuesday.
According to Syracuse Police, the car dealer had loaned 60-year-old Greg Baum a car until financing could come through for a new vehicle.
Police say he had the loaned vehicle for a month and never returned it to the auto dealer. They recovered the vehicle at ShoppingTown but were unable to find Baum at any of the addresses he was listed at.
After receiving several tips, police caught Baum while he was working at the ShoppingTown food court.
He was wanted for grand larceny and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
Fugitive of the Week: Gregory Baum
April 2, 2012
Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Syracuse Police are looking for a man they say has a track record of ripping people off who agree to help him out and this time he’s accused of taking advantage of a local auto dealer.
Police say there’s a lesson for all of us when it comes to people like 60-year-old Gregory Baum.
“Don’t be deceived by someone’s look or seemingly sad tale,” said Sergeant John Savage, with the Syracuse Police Warrant Squad.
Baum allegedly told a hard luck tale to the folks at Fucillo’s, so they agreed to loan him a car until financing for a new one came through.
“The salesman agreed to that, and gave no reason to disbelieve him or think the deal wasn't going to go through. They in fact loaned him the vehicle, and that was the last they saw of it for a month,” Sgt. Savage continued.
Police say Baum had that loaner for about a month, but never returned it. Instead, they found it abandoned in a parking lot at Shoppingtown Mall.
Police have checked out several addresses for Baum, including one in Freeville in Tompkins County.
“He seems to be somewhat of a drifter, going from people he knows who allow him to stay with him for periods of time, claiming he is down on his luck,” Sgt. Savage said.
Baum’s now wanted for grand larceny and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle . He’s been arrested seven times on theft charges.
“We would like to get him back in the system and prevent anybody else from losing property or money,” Sgt. Savage said.
If you can help police find Baum, call the confidential tip line at 442-5230.
