When Utah police pulled over Deandre Webster of Florida, they likely didn’t expect to unravel a cross-country crime spree. Their first surprise came during questioning of the 21-year-old. His passenger suddenly jumped into the driver’s seat and sped away.

That passenger was Quincy Pierre, 23, of Pompano Beach, Florida. He fled the traffic stop but didn’t get far. “A short time later, that same vehicle led another police agency on a pursuit which was eventually terminated due to safety concerns for the public.”

At a third traffic stop, officers finally apprehended Pierre. Webster told police he barely knew Pierre and even called him by the wrong name. Once officers confirmed both identities, they discovered the two men were cousins.

Police uncover alleged scheme spanning multiple states

The men told police they were visiting Utah to ski. At their vacation rental, however, officers found a woman who claimed she had been drugged in Philadelphia and transported across the country against her will.

Investigators believe the suspects committed fraud throughout the trip. According to police, the pair targeted vehicles in parking lots while traveling.

The booking affidavit details the alleged method. “These offenders targeting several parking lot locations, specifically day/child care facilities, at which time they illegally enter vehicles, sometimes by forced entry, where they steal victims’ identities (by taking) their state identification cards, checks and/or other financial means…They will then have other involved parties cash checks at financial institutions where they illegal gain thousands of dollars.”

Authorities estimate the total loss at more than $20,000. Charges include engaging in a pattern of unlawful activity, six counts of forgery, and nine counts of vehicle burglary.