Man accused of taking expensive bike on test ride, attempting to sell it online

SALT LAKE CITY — A Cottonwood Heights man has been charged with retail theft after police say he took a pricey bicycle for a test ride and didn't bring it back.

Michael Dobecki, 18, faces a second-degree felony charge of retail theft, according to charges filed Wednesday in 3rd District Court. 

According to charges, Dobecki asked to take the bike for a test ride from a bicycle store at 3818 W. 13400 South in Riverton on Sept. 1. The bike, valued at $5,900, was not returned, charges state.

The store's owner found a matching bike for sale online for $5,200 and arranged to see it on Sept. 3, along with a store employee.

The men met Dobecki in a parking lot and confronted him about the bike being stolen, charges state. When they discovered that the serial number had been removed, Dobecki fled on foot, according to the charges.

No summons or warrant has been issued in the case.

— McKenzie Romero

Twitter: @McKenzieRomero