Dude gets tied up, breaks free, shoots bad guys

[Irving]

Why in the hell would you give your address to someone on Craigslist?! I sell shit on there all the time, but I don't invite strangers to my freaking home, where my wife and kids sleep! Meet me at the crowded grocery store parking lot in the daylight, and keep your hands where I can see them.

Most people aren't going to load up a treadmill or riding lawnmower and take it to a gas station, for example.

[Teufelhund]

Most people aren't going to load up a treadmill or riding lawnmower and take it to a gas station, for example.

That's a good point. I think it makes more sense to go rent a $20 flatbed truck from Home Depot to cart around whatever you're selling, than to invite total strangers to your home, especially considering how prolific this type of story has become.

[Irving]

That's a good point. I think it makes more sense to go rent a $20 flatbed truck from Home Depot to cart around whatever you're selling, than to invite total strangers to your home, especially considering how prolific this type of story has become.

I partially agree. I think this is like any other news story. We hear it often enough because Craigslist transactions in general are happening thousands of times a day. We hear stories about bad police interactions, robberies, terrorism, etc every single day as part of the 24-hour news cycle, but mostly people aren't wronged by police, robbed, or victims of terrorism.

All that said, everyone should have a pal with them and be extra on guard for Craigslist, or any interactions with strangers.

[kidicarus13]

I'd be interested to know what the victim was selling. Was it a baby crib or a Rolex Mariner?

[Irving]

I think if I was selling something that could be carried by one person, and two dudes came to the door, I'd request that one of them can wait in the car or on the porch.

[ColoradoTJ]

I think if I was selling something that could be carried by one person, and two dudes came to the door, I'd request that one of them can wait in the car or on the porch.

Good point.

[wctriumph]

I sell stuff off of Craigslist here and there and I sell at my residence for most of it. On two occasions there were three guys that got out of the car and I asked that those that were not the buyer to stay by or in their car. They did and the sales went off without a hitch.

Once when selling a motorcycle, the proposed buyer said that he could only meet at night, after 10 PM. I agreed and three guys showed up. While one guy looked at the motorcycle the other two started looking around at other stuff and I asked that they wait outside and I was pretty much ignored. I put my hand in my pocket and grabbed my 442 Airweight (in my pocket), backed up against my tool box and asked again very firmly that they exit the garage. The looking at the motorcycle said, "there isn't anything here, lets go". I immediately called my local LE and explained the deal and gave an accurate description of the three of them and the vehicle they were driving and the direction they were traveling. The next day I was contacted by a detective and he took a report, seems that there were other reports of similar incidents with thefts and assaults in the surrounding areas.

You have to be careful out there and be always on guard, bad guys are everywhere. When I sell remotely, I will usually have my wife with me and so far no problems.

[Bailey Guns]

Yeah, I've had people at my home to look at/buy something I was selling on CL. Had a lot of flakes, for sure. But no one that even remotely appeared to be a threat. When possible I do try to meet them somewhere other than my home. I always have a buddy with me when someone comes to my home.

[hollohas]

I've seen pictures floating around the interwebs that show designated and posted internet sale areas in PD parking lots. Don't know where, but sure seems like a great idea.

PS - quick Google search provided a few sources. Here's on in Dallas.



And one in Mass.

[yz9890]

I've sold large items (entertainment center, treadmill, playground) on CL before. Also some listed some stuff for free/ you haul it. I don't do it anymore though. If it's not something I can take to a neutral area myself, I don't sell it on CL. I was always careful not to give my address until I was reasonably sure I had a good buyer. But so many flaked and never showed up that I got leery about giving it out at all. The last straw was when a guy that was supposed to come at 5pm one night said he couldn't make it and asked if I could do it @ 7pm. I said I was going to be gone (I wasn't really going anywhere, just didn't want to meet anyone that late on a weeknight). Sure enough, at about 715, a van backed into my driveway and two big guys got out. I assumed they thought the house would be empty. I had a long and secluded driveway but saw them from an upstairs window. I just yelled "can I help you guys?" from the upstairs window. I got an "uh, uh, wrong house. Sorry" and they turned and left.

It's interesting that Craigslist has a no firearm related items policy when the entire Craigslist environment has led to so much robbery, assault, rape, and murder. Not that allowing gun listings would change any of that. Just interesting.


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