MAN ROBBED, PUNCHED DURING CRAIGSLIST PURCHASE IN LA MESA

 
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July 8, 2011 (La Mesa) – A man, 21, was robbed of $2,100 last night and assaulted when he met a seller in a La Mesa park to purchase computers advertised on Craigslist. The case highlights the importance of taking steps to minimize risk when shopping online.

East County Magazine customers can now shop online more safely on Geebo, a site that screens all ads and even offers a new service that lets a buyer to send an inspector to verify a sale item listed – before the buyer shows up with large amounts of cash. Buy or sell your items by clicking the ad at left, or visit:

https://geebo.com/jobs-online/add/step/2/num/1/?discount=eastcountymagazine  (Most ads are free to list. There is a fee for job listings, however ECM readersget large discounts—and Geebo donates a portion of proceeds to support our nonprofit media.)

La Mesa Police officers responded to the robbery report from the Craigslist shopper last night at 8:27 p.m. in La Mesita Park on Dallas Street. The 21 year old male victim had agreed to purchase two Mac Book computers from the suspect, who had posted an on-line ad on Craigslist. The victim drove to the park with a friend to make the purchase. When the victim arrived, he observed two suspects sitting inside of a parked 1996 Honda Accord with CA. license plate, 3STU216.

The victim and his friend approached the suspect vehicle to complete the transaction. During the money transaction, one suspect brandished a box cutter and exited the Honda along with a second suspect according to La Mesa Police. The first suspect demanded money and the victim handed him $2,100.

About that same time, a third and fourth suspect walked out from behind the bathroom building. One of them punched the victim in the face. All four suspects entered the Honda and were last seen driving east on Dallas Street towards Fletcher Parkway.

The victim was not injured and the identity of the suspects is not known. The suspect vehicle was recently purchased by an auto dealership in Tijuana, Mexico.

Descriptions of the suspects are as follows:

Suspect #1: Hispanic male, 19 years, 5’9”, 140 pounds, with long dark curly hair. He was wearing tan shorts and a blue shirt. The suspect’s right arm was sleeved with tattoos. He was armed with a box cutter.

Suspect #2: Hispanic male, 20-25 years, 5’9”, 150 pounds, with long dark curly hair. He was wearing a black baseball cap, a black shirt and tan shorts. His left arm was sleeved with tattoos.

Suspect #3 and #4: Hispanic males wearing dark clothing.

If you have any information on this case, please call the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400.

You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.