Police Search For Suspects In Craigslist Robberies
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore police are on the hunt for two robbers using Craigslist to lure their victims. In the most recent attack, gunfire broke out. Now detectives warn Craigslist buyers make easy targets for criminals. Kai Jackson has the latest on the investigation.
Police say it's a case of bait and rob. A woman who fought back with a gun is in jail.
A heightened police presence in Baltimore's historic Bolton Hill neighborhood. Police say the trendy area was more like the Wild West Monday after a robbery and shooting.
"I did hear a couple of gunshots, you know, and I was shocked," said Joseph Pryor.
Police say it happened when a man and woman responded to an ad on the internet-based Craigslist for a car. Four people, two buyers and two would-be sellers, met in the 16-hundred block of Bolton Street. Police say one of the suspects pulled a gun and told the victims they were being robbed but the victims turned the tables on the robbers.
"A confrontation between one of the victims and the suspects ensued and the second victim pulled out a handgun and fired it indiscriminately in the air," said Anthony Guglielmi.
That victim is 30-year-old Keyna Oduyoye. She's now charged with a handgun violation and discharging a firearm in public.
The suspects fled. One dropped the gun but the suspects reportedly got away with $4,000 in cash.
Police say even after the suspects fled, the situation didn't end. They say the female victim who pulled out that gun started chasing the suspects and wildly firing the gun.
"We're very fortunate that no one in the community was hit by gunfire and none of the individuals involved in this incident suffered any injuries," Guglielmi said.
Recently city police arrested a man for using Craigslist to post fake ads, lure buyers and then rob them.
"You have to figure out how to use caution in those situations," said Monica Lavorgna.
Police say in some cities, Craigslist buyers have met sellers in the parking lot of police stations as a precaution.
