Police: Suspect Tried To Buy Camaro Using Stolen Identity

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A suspicious car purchase at a Smithfield dealership has led to identity theft charges against a Morrisville man and a broader investigation into possible related cases.

The incident began May 1 at Capital Auto on South Brightleaf Boulevard, where an employee contacted police after becoming concerned about a customer attempting to purchase a used Chevrolet Camaro.

According to Smithfield Police, the suspect — identified as 32-year-old Elijah Cliffus Green — had applied for vehicle financing online before arriving at the dealership to complete the transaction. When he presented identification, employees noticed discrepancies. Police allege the ID displayed Green’s photograph but contained the personal information of a Florida resident.

Before officers arrived, Green left the dealership without the vehicle.

A short time later, police located him driving a 2017 Mercedes on Brogden Road near Interstate 95 and conducted a traffic stop.

As the investigation continued, officers determined the Mercedes had allegedly been obtained in the Fayetteville area using an altered identification card, raising the possibility of additional fraudulent activity beyond the Smithfield incident.

Green was charged with identity theft, attempting to obtain property by false pretenses, and possession of a fraudulent identification card.

The Mercedes was impounded as part of a separate investigation being handled by authorities in Cumberland County.