RESERVE — The attempted theft of an ATV in Reserve in what authorities said was an Internet sale turned bad has led to a call for greater caution for those brokering online sales.

“With more people doing online shopping that requires face-to-face encounters for transactions, an Internet Purchase Exchange Location in St. John the Baptist Parish should be considered,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said.

According to the sheriff, he is working with Parish government officials to set up a designated Internet Purchase Exchange Location, where Internet users can buy and sell items in a safe, public place equipped with surveillance cameras.

The parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office, with security for buyers and sellers, could serve as a designated location.

Criminal activity is possible for those who participate in Internet transactions, and authorities ask consumers not to meet strangers at homes or in unfamiliar areas.

Deputies are investigating such a crime, one that took place Jan. 1 in Reserve. A 47-year-old female told deputies she listed her four-wheeler on Offerup, an online secondhand sales website. Shortly after, she received a text message from someone interested in buying the ATV. The subject, who gave his name as Kendall, requested the woman meet him with the ATV on East 14th Street so he could buy it.

“Kendall” also texted pictures of money that matched the sale price.

The victim was met on East 14th Street by two men who handed her 60 $100 bills, but authorities said she realized the money was counterfeit.

“The subjects fled erratically on the ATV, drove into a yard in the 300 block of East 14th Street, hit a resident’s parked vehicle, then fled on foot toward East 13th Street,” a Sheriff’s Office release said.

Detectives obtained a description of the perpetrators, and a 16-year-old juvenile was arrested Jan. 6. He was booked with two counts of monetary instrument abuse, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, hit and run driving, three counts of theft $750-$5,000 and contempt of court. The suspect was released Jan. 11 to a parent.

A second suspect, a black male between 16- and 18-years-old, is being sought. He is believed to be 5-feet, 7-inches tall and weigh 140 pounds with a fade haircut.

Anyone with information about the theft or second suspect is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office TIPS line at 985-359-TIPS, Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or dispatch at 985-652-6338.

Police said the ATV was damaged and will soon be returned to the victim.