LCPD: Man purchased used car with check from nonexistent account

Las Cruces police arrested a man accused of purchasing a used vehicle with a fraudulent check.

44-year-old Kenneth Michael Harper, of the 2200 block of Dona Ana Road, is charged with a third-degree felony count of forgery.

On March 22, 2019, Harper went to a local used car dealership and allegedly provided a $3,900 check to purchase a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Harper left the dealership with the Trailblazer and a temporary tag for the vehicle.

Days later, the dealership learned Harper’s $3,900 check was fraudulent and drawn on a nonexistent checking account. The dealership contacted police and reported the vehicle as stolen.

On April 8, a Las Cruces police officer spotted the Chevy Trailblazer on the 600 block of west Picacho Avenue. Harper was allegedly driving the vehicle. Investigators learned Harper was in possession of a debit card that was also fraudulent and from a nonexistent bank account.

Police said additional charges are possible. Harper was arrested April 8 and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center. He was released on bond the following day.