Law and Order Porter County

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Updated: February 18, 2012 8:02PM

PORTER COUNTY

Woman scammed buying car online

A 28-year-old rural Porter County woman who tried to buy a used car online lost the money she sent by Western Union to the supposed seller.

The woman told police on Wednesday that she had located a 2006 Ford Fusion for about $3,500 and contacted the seller through email. She wired $2,510, following the seller’s instructions not to say it was a business transaction — supposedly to avoid higher fees — and she planned to pay the remaining money upon delivery as they had agreed. However, the car never arrived.

The Kelley Blue Book value is more than twice the agreed-upon price.

CHESTERTON

Dog bites boy
delivering cookies

While he helped his younger sister deliver Girl Scout cookies, a 10-year-old boy was bit in the leg by a 4-year-old sheltie-cocker spaniel mix dog. The incident happened at about 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, outside in the 500 block of Windridge Drive. The dog owner told police the behavior was out of character for the animal, which had all its vaccinations.

PORTAGE

Burglars take video systems, games

Two Nintendo Wii game systems with accessories and games, and two e-readers were reported stolen between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday from a home in the 600 block of Camelot Manor.

According to the police report, someone got inside the mobile home by pushing in a window of the door, then unlocking it.

Teens accused of stealing cosmetics

Three females are charged with felony theft for allegedly stealing cosmetics from Kmart, 6050 U.S. 6. Store security told police Xenia Martinez, 18, of Lake Station, and two female juveniles concealed several items in a purse and their coat sleeves at about 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Martinez was arrested, and the juveniles were released to their parents.