Man accused of using fake police badge to fool victim into giving up pickup

A man who is believed to have used a fake police badge to dupe a homeowner into surrendering his pickup as stolen property has been arrested in Caldwell County, according to the Observer’s news partner WBTV.

Deputies said Harry “Jason” Gardner was wearing a “police style badge” around his neck when he was arrested Monday at his home, WBTV reported. Also found at the home: A Dodge Dakota truck stolen in November.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office told WBTV it received a report on Dec. 2 of a man, believed to be Gardner, going to someone’s house claiming to be a detective, WBTV reports. The victim told authorities the suspect showed up around 6 a.m. and said the victim's vehicle was stolen property and that he would return later to pick it up.

The man, who the victim said was wearing a badge around his neck, was also driving a “fairly new” red Dodge Dakota.

Investigators said evidence led them to Gardner's home, WBTV reports. Details were not released on the charges.

This story was originally published December 6, 2016 at 7:46 AM with the headline "Man accused of using fake police badge to fool victim into giving up pickup."