By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com
The Yuba County Sheriff's Department is warning foothill residents about a suspicious vehicle that has been linked to at least one theft in the region today.
The Sheriff's Department received at least four separate reports of a silver or gold Honda-type vehicle driving around the Browns Valley and Challenge areas this morning. Several passengers were in the car, and they stopped to talk to residents at various locations. The driver asked for directions, for gas for the car, or for help with the car overheating, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.
In one instance, a homeowner told deputies the driver tried to open her door when she didn't answer it quickly.
The theft occurred about 11:30 a.m. on Spring Valley Road in Browns Valley. The resident told deputies that he went to help put water in the radiator of the car and believes that while he was distracted, one of the vehicle's occupants snuck into his garage and stole a rifle. The resident discovered the theft about an hour after the suspects left.
Deputies checked the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.
The car is described as a silver or gold Honda sedan, similar to a 1990s model Accord. Several witnesses reported a spare of "donut" tire on the car, and one mentioned a disabled license plate on the vehicle, according to the news release. Three or four people were reportedly in the car, including at least one man and two women.
Sheriff's officials advised residents to be wary of strangers approaching their home asking for directions, gasoline, or looking for someone who doesn't live there.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.
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