Man walks into dealership and drove off with Maserati Gran Turismo after salesperson gave the key

Police in California are searching for a man who walked into a luxury car dealership in Los Angeles and drove off with a Maserati.

The brazen theft occurred on July 18 at Motor Village L.A. on South Figueroa Street near the Staples Center.

Authorities said the suspect walked into the dealership and told a salesperson he was interested in the blue 2008 Maserati Gran Turismo that was on display.

He then asked the salesperson for the key so he could turn on the car to hear the engine, and when the salesperson gave him the key he started the car and drove away.

The sales manager said the suspect narrowly missed the salesperson who was standing next to the car.

The suspect, who was captured on surveillance camera, is described as a white male about 5’5” tall with a shaved head.

The stolen Maserati, which has a 405 horsepower V8 engine that goes from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds and can easily reach speeds of 180mph, is valued around $75,000. A newer model of the car cost around$125,000.