PITTSBURGH -- Police said a local woman drove away in a brand-new car and left a dealership with a $22,000 bounced check.

Antoinette Greene, 55, is charged with passing a bad check and theft.

Allegheny County police said Greene bought a 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara from Wright Pontiac in Carnegie in July and paid for it with a personal check. But, six days later the check bounced.

Detective Pat Miller said, "She had been notified several times by phone and by mail to make good on the payment or return the vehicle, which she did neither of."

Police said the title to the car was already put in Greene's name and she turned around and sold it to Martin Auto Sales on West Liberty Ave. for $12,000.

Target 11 looked for the car but it wasn't on either of the company's lots and no one could say if the car had been since sold again.

"I guess I would throw a caution to the wind to the car dealerships to not accept a personal check from someone until you have notification from the bank that the check has cleared. (Or) maybe you should just accept a certified bank check instead of a personal check," Miller said.

A representative for Wright Pontiac would not comment on company policy regarding payment by check, saying it's a matter for the courts now.

Greene was taken to jail and held on bail. A hearing is scheduled for next week.