A fake $100 bill was used by a customer at NAPA Auto Parts, 25 Pine Lake Ave., and the same man tried to use the fake bills at GNC next door.
LaPorte Police said the man, who was black and wearing a large diamond earring, entered NAPA on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 6. He purchased a few items totaling about $28 and paid with the fake $100. The on-duty clerk used a counterfeit pen that indicated the bill was legitimate. However, an employee from GNC, the business next door, came in and asked NAPA employees if a black male had come into the store and tried to pay with a fake $100 bill. NAPA workers then took the bill to a nearby bank, which confirmed it was a forgery.
The employee at GNC told police a second black male, about 6 feet tall, thin build, also came into his store and tried to present a fake $100 bill. He recognized the bill as counterfeit and told the suspect he would have to pay with legitimate money. The suspect immediately left.
Both suspects were seen leaving the area in a green, older-model Kia SUV.
One of the fake bills had no security strip and the printing around the portrait was blurry and incomplete. The second bill appeared older, but had a blue strip in it that only newer bills have on them.
If you have any information regarding this crime or any other criminal/ suspicious activity, please contact the La Porte Police Department at 362-9446 or at www.lpcitypd.com to submit a tip. You can remain anonymous while providing important information to help create a safer community. Anything you know could be helpful!