Earlier this week, two separate victims were robbed at gunpoint after they arranged transactions via Facebook. In both incidents, a cell phone was advertised for sale through the social app.

In the first incident, 11-13-19 at noon, the victim saw a Facebook posting offering a cell phone for sale. The victim and seller arranged a transaction location at the 100 block of Pepperidge Lane. Upon arrival, the victim was approached by a black male who produced a handgun. The suspect took the victim’s wallet. The suspect fled the scene and the victim was not harmed. The victim indicated the suspect was a very tall black male with tattoos on both hands.

In the second incident, 11-13-19 at 2:10pm, the victim stated he met subjects at the 500 block of Kathwood Drive to purchase a cell phone, also listed for sale on Facebook. The victim was approached by multiple suspects, at least one of which had a gun. The suspects took multiple personal items from the victim and fled the scene. The victim was not harmed. ACCPD urges caution for purchases arranged through any online app. 

Please consider the following safety precautions:

- transactions should occur during the day and never at night

- a well-lit and frequented location is the best place for a transaction

- consider a law enforcement parking lot to conduct your transaction

- do not meet at a private residence

- beware if the buyer or seller changes the location, once it is established

- consider alternate forms of payment rather than cash

Both cases are under active investigation. ACCPD asks anyone with information about these incidents to call Det. Carroll at 762-400-7098 or Michael.Carroll@accgov.com.

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