D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has announced plans to close 23 used car dealerships across the city.

WASHINGTON (AP) — D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has announced plans to close 23 used car dealerships across the city.

The closures come as city officials investigate the transportation of dangerous used vehicles in and out of the district.

Officials say many of the dangerous vehicles were purchased by dealers at out-of-state auctions. The dealers then stored the vehicles illegally in D.C. before sending them along the East Coast or overseas.

Besides the 23 dealerships expected to close in the next two weeks, city officials say 17 more are under investigation and could be closed. Three other used car dealerships were closed earlier this month.