- A man was arrested in West Jordan for allegedly trying to use movie prop money to buy a phone.
- Irvin Renova-Sandoval, 27, stole the phone at gunpoint after the seller discovered the fraud, police say.
- Police arrested him after a brief chase.
WEST JORDAN — A West Jordan man was arrested Monday and accused of using movie prop money to try and purchase a phone, and then taking the phone at gunpoint when the seller quickly discovered the fraud.
Irvin Renova-Sandoval, 27, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of aggravated robbery, forgery and failing to stop for police.
A man selling an iPhone 16 Pro online arranged to meet Renova-Sandoval at a grocery store parking lot on Sunday at 5710 W. 7800 South. Renova-Sandoval agreed to pay $850 for the phone, according to a police booking affidavit.
As the victim began counting the money that was handed to him, Renova-Sandoval allegedly told him, "It's dangerous out there, homie, don't tell anyone," the affidavit states.
The victim quickly discovered that not only was he given only $650, but the words "For Motion Picture Purposes Only" were printed on the money he received, according to police.
"When confronted (Renova-Sandoval) responded by pulling out a handgun … and racked the slide. (Renova-Sandoval) pointed the barrel at the window height of the vehicle and reiterated, 'Don't tell anyone,'" the affidavit states, and then he drove off.
The victim was able to get a license plate number and called the police about an hour later. Officers used that information to track down Renova-Sandoval and keep an eye on his residence near 8400 South and 6400 West. On Monday, police spotted Renova-Sandoval driving in that area and attempted to pull him over, but he sped off and a short chase ensued, according to the affidavit.
Police terminated the chase for safety reasons, but arrested Renova-Sandoval a short time later when he returned to his residence. He claimed that he did not use a real gun and that he had already sold the stolen phone, the affidavit says.
