FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Detectives in Broward County are looking for a man who they said has made a career out of providing getaway cars to criminals.
Local 10’s Roger Lohse reported that Thomas Bradshaw is suspected of ripping off rental car companies to make a fast buck. Broward County deputies said Bradshaw does business at the rental car counters of both of South Florida's major airports.
"He rented the car for, like, two days. After the two days, we didn't see the vehicle, then a month, then two months," said Sheri Smith, a rental ag
ent at Payless Car Rental at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Bradshaw is at the top of the “Do-Not-Rent-Toâ┚¬ list because at least seven times he has leased a car then re-rented it to someone else who used the car to commit a crime, detectives said.
“He just rents the vehicle, and his defense has always been, ”�’I told the guy to bring the car back.' He knows full well that the person is never going to bring the car back," Lt. Brian Montgomery told Lohse.
Police said Bradshaw rents from the rental businesses at the airports because there are so many companies in one place and he gets lost in the crowd. But airport workers are on to his scam, police said. "Like he disguises himself. He'll wear shades or a hood or cut his hair, trying to look different and different times," said Breion Gordon, a rental agent at E-Z Car Rental.
Bradshaw has been arrested nearly a dozen times, accused of failing to return a hired vehicle. The last time
was in October. But now, detectives said he is committing the crimes again. On Monday, police said, Bradshaw tried to rent a car at Miami International Airport but was recognized and turned away.
Rental car company workers in Fort Lauderdale have been told to call the Broward Sheriff's Office if Bradshaw shows up at the counters again.
