Potential Buyer Opens Fire On Attackers In Craigslist Deal Gone Wrong
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WWJ) - Battle Creek police are reminding the public to be smart about online safety after a shooting at a meeting over a Craigslist ad.
Battle Creek Police Sgt. Brad Palmer said two people "from out-of-town" were attacked Tuesday night when they responded to a classifieds ad about a car for sale.
"Three men met them at an abandoned home in the Urbandale area," said Palmer. "And the two men that were coming to buy the vehicle were jumped."
That's when, Palmer said, one of the buyers pulled a gun and opened fire on the attackers, striking two of them.
The two men who were shot remained hospitalized Wednesday, but their conditions were unknown. One of the buyers, Palmer said, was also injured when he was "hit in the head with an object."
The third alleged attacker fled, but was located by police Tuesday night.
Palmer said the prosecutor will review the case to determine charges.
Meantime, he said, police want everyone to make good decisions when dealing with strangers they meet online.
"Some cities across the county, you know, police agencies are urging people — if they have a Craigslist purchase — to make it in the police parking lot," Palmer said. "They're setting up safe areas to do that where people can come in the police station, or come to the police station, and be monitored."
"If somebody, obviously, doesn't want to meet at a police station it's probably not somebody you want to buy anything from," he added.
Palmer said potential buyers should use their best judgement and also avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
