Morris police seek help in identifying alleged scammer

MORRIS – Morris police are investigating a “quick change scam” that allegedly occurred about 7:35 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Morris Walmart, according to a news release sent by Morris Police Chief John Severson.

Police have a surveillance photo of a man buying two HP laptops worth $1,536.

The man allegedly paid with $20 bills, but when the cashier counted the bills, they allegedly came up short.

It appears the man recounted the stack, and while doing so, he removed several bills from the bottom of the stack without being seen. He also added cash from a different pocket to make it appear he corrected the count.

In the news release, the department said the man appeared alone; however other surveillance revealed that he got into the same older model maroon sedan as a woman and child.

No further information on the vehicle was available.

The police department also believes that the man and woman are not from the area and may be traveling west on Interstate 80, as the Ottawa and Peru Walmarts have experienced similar thefts recently with the same pictured couple, according to the release.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Morris Police Department at 815-942-2131.