Man Arrested for Well-Known "Exit Ramp Scam"
BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ)-- Maryland State Police arrested a man attempting the well-known "exit ramp scam" in Ellicott City Monday.
Police responded to Snowden River Parkway at Route 100 around 11:32 a.m. of a reported man standing in the travel portion of the roadway attempting to flag down passing motorists.
Catalin Alexandru, 26, of McElderly Street in Baltimore, was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace/hindering passage, disorderly conduct, making a false statement to a police officer and possessing false government identification.
The following statement is from Maryland State Police:
SCAM WARNING: In response to multiple calls received throughout the state, Maryland State Police are warning motorists about a scam involving individuals flagging down drivers at exit ramps requesting money.
The suspects are pretending their vehicles are disabled, flagging down passing motorists on exit ramps and asking for money. In exchange for the money and services given to the scam artist, they are giving fake jewelry in return. These incidents are causing major traffic delays and in some instances, crashes on the ramps. The incidents have been reported to the Maryland State Police in Prince George's County, Montgomery County, Harford County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County and Allegany County, Maryland.
Anyone who sees this, or something similar, occurring in Howard County should call police at 410-313-2200. Information on incidents in other areas should be directed to the appropriate Maryland State Police barrack.
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