Man caught on camera in auto dealership vehicle thefts from Sumter, Beaufort, Jasper counties

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Sumter County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in identifying a man accused of stealing at least three vehicles from auto dealerships in Jasper, Sumter and Beaufort counties. 

An incident report from the sheriff's office states the suspect — a white male who identified himself as Brian Allen — entered a dealership in the 1200 block of Broad Street on June 12 and asked to test drive a vehicle. 

The suspect arrived at the dealership in a tan 2016 Jeep Wrangler bearing a reportedly stolen license plate from North Charleston. 

That vehicle was also reported stolen from a dealership in Jasper County, states a release from the sheriff's office. A value was not included.

After receiving access to a tan 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, valued at $37,000, at the Sumter dealership, the suspect allegedly told employees he needed to go to the bank to get the money to purchase the vehicle. 

Employees did not get a copy of the suspect's driver's license before allowing him to drive the vehicle, which had dealership tags on it, states the release.

Law enforcement was called when the man failed to return to the dealership. 

The 2017 Jeep was later located at an auto dealership in Beaufort county where another vehicle was stolen. 

The suspect is described as a white male, about 5 feet 10 inches, with tattoos on the inside of his right forearm, his legs and his neck, wearing a baseball cap, jeans and a brown T-shirt, according to the sheriff's office. 

Agents with the State Law Enforcement Division and investigators from multiple counties between Sumter and Beaufort are coordinating on the investigation. 

Any information can be referred to CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC.