Flint Township View

Police report two area Craigslist robberies




FLINT TWP. — Arranging to meet in the police station lobby could have saved two local Craigslist robbery victims.

Township police are reporting two recent incidents involving attempted IPhone 6 purchases, according to a press release.

On Tuesday, January 27 at about 7:42 p.m., Flint Township Police Officers were dispatched to 3366 Corunna Road for an armed robbery that had just occurred at 1186 River Valley in the River Valley Apartment Complex.

The victim stated he attempted to purchase an iPhone 6 through a Craigslist ad for $275.00. He was told to meet at the apartment complex to complete the sale. When he arrived he was met by 2 black males. One of the black males brandished a small black semi-automatic handgun and demanded the victim’s money. After giving them his money, the suspects fled out of the building. They were not located.

The suspects are described as black males, late teens to early 20’s, 5’9”, 160 pounds, with short hair.

A similar robbery occurred on Monday February 9 at about 8:36 pm. Flint Township Police Officers were dispatched to 3100 Miller Rd (Miller West Apartments) for an armed robbery that had just occurred. The victim attempted to purchase an IPhone 6 Plus through a Craigslist ad for $580.00.

The suspect invited the victim into the building. Once inside, he was met by 2 black males. One of the black males brandished a handgun and demanded the victim’s money. After giving them the money, the suspects fled out the back door of the building. They were not located.

Suspect 1 is described as a black male, early to mid 20’s, hair is braided in a short “corn rows” style, wearing a black hoodie with a red hood.

Suspect 2 is described as a black male, early to mid 20’s, wearing a black hoodie under a blue jacket.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call Detective Cassidy at the Flint Twp. Police, 810-600-3250.

Police said these incidents serve as a community reminder that the Flint Township Police Department’s lobby is open 24 hours a day seven days a week and is video monitored. The lobby provides a safer environment for transactions initiated on-line, police said.

Craigslist, an international online resource to buy and sell goods and other services, maintains that the majority of Craigslist users are trustworthy and well-intentioned and reports that the incidence of violent crime is extremely low considering the billions of transactions completed.

But Craigslist offers online advice on public safety and avoiding scams. Personal safety precautions when meeting someone for the first time include:

• Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe.

• Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home.

• Be especially careful when buying/ selling high value items.

• Tell a friend or family member where you’re going.

• Take your cell phone along if you have one.

• Consider having a friend accompany you.

• Trust your instincts.

For more advice on avoiding scams, go to https://www.craigslist.org/about/scams R.Sanders


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