The story of a twenty-dollar car was too good to be true.

Shortly before 11:00 p.m. Friday , El Centro police were called about a man passed out in a car parked in front of Best Buy. Police were able to question the man and he told them that he just bought the vehicle at the Viegas Casino for $20.00 and was trying to get home to Mesa , Arizona. The man was released by El Centro police since the car was not reported stolen. ECPD officers contacted the casino and San Diego County Sheriff's deputies who , after a brief investigation and contact with the vehicle's registered owner , determined the car was in fact stolen. The 46-year old suspect was released and the car was returned to the registered owner.