Caution buying and selling on Craigslist

[Fishman]

My son got shot last night for a $300 phone.
He meet someone at a chuch parking lot (not the smartest move on my sons part but...) to sell his cell phone. A second guy comes out from behind a wall shoting his gun in the air, telling him to drop the phone. Before he could react to the demand, the guy shoots my son. So my son took off running as the guy continues to shot at him. my sons wifes puts her Prius in drive (the silent start was literally a potensial life saver)and takes off. The shooter sees her and shoots 2 more time at her as she drives off to get my son.

Good thing is, the 32 slug got my son in his hip bone from staight on. The slug flattens on his skin and hip bone!  The slug fell into his hand as he ran away! How awesome is that!
(Guardian Angel at work, Thank you Lord)

  None of the other shots hit anything that we could tell! Still awesome huh!

The cops caught the first guy within 1 hour, and have a positive id on the shooter.  (Two 17 year olds)

It seems to me that outdoor type stuff is relitively safe to sell on Craigslist, but electronics, laptops and carrying cash.. not so much.
 

[starman]

I was given a tip for cash transactions; do it inside your bank. After the sale deposit the money into your account so you are not walking out of the bank with a wad of cash. Lots of camera's and security so the chance of something like your son and wife experienced is less likely. WOW!! What luck on his part, let him know he was spared to do great things in life.

[supthecreek]

Geez Fishman... I am, at the same time, glad they are ok and sorry it happened.
That's a parents nightmare... it sucks beyond words. you must be freaking out.

I am so glad they are ok.... best wishes to all of you.

[Fishman]

The bank tip sounds very smart.  

I do believe there must be a plan for him. The ER doctor, paramedics, and police all kept saying they never seen anything like it. The doctor said 1cm higher or to the right and his and his artery would have been hit and most likly would have bleed out. Instead basically all he has is a bad bruise.

To bad those kids get caught up in crime crap.  They are probably going to do 35 plus years. For whatm a phone? Well at least they wont be doing that to anybody else.

[excav8ter sup]

Unbevlievable! I am glad your son is ok....he's very fortunate. I hope they throw those scumbags in the gray bar hotel for a long time!

[Rideordie]

Wow!! That is an incredible story!!  God was watching over him and your wife!! That for sharing this story with us.  I will pass it on.  Good advice!! 

[SlatchJim]

Wow, a nightmare. So glad he's ok.

[jdmotes]

"Crazy Ass" story and glad your son (and his wife) are OK. Worlds gone to hell in a handbag...       Paddle on,   JD

[kayadogg]

I've done a lot of buying/selling on craigslist.  I usually always meet in a public place that has people around but I have been foolish a few times.  This story is the kick in the ass I need to be smarter. 

Glad to hear him and his wife are ok and hopefully those kids get theirs in jail.

[Tom]

There was a murder here in San Diego about a year ago. A college age guy and his girlfriend take his Apple computer to a ghetto strip mall late at night. (first mistake) They get robbed at gun point and later see the car and chase them, which is where he got shot.

I've sold quite a few SUPs and surf boards through CL and always give them my address. Guess I'm lucky.

[PDLSFR]

Like Tom, I have sold a couple SUP boards on my local craigslist without any issue (maybe it's the item we are selling that's a user friendly product). I would also have the interested parties come to my house and I'd have the board outside for them to look it.

Fishman - I hope recovery is quick for your son and it definitely sounds like a guardian angle was on his side !!!!!

[Ucycle]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/05/high-end-bike-thieves-allegedly-used-craiglist-to-find-victims.html

After reading this article, i stop having people meet at my house.  Its a matter of time lowlife thieves will figure out SUP can be sold for good $. Last time i had someone meet me at my house, my bro took his gun out just in case shit happens. Thieves is getting smarter, why steal iphone that can be track when you can still a 7-10k bike.  Strip out the parts and sell it on ebay individually and make thousands.

[PonoBill]

Craigslist should have some direction for this, but since they don't, cautionary tales will have to do. Glad your son is OK. I've done the silly thing of meeting someone in a dark parking lot. I've also had people come to my house. Not a great idea. Well lighted, secure place is the only way to do the exchange. A mall entrance, in front of a police station--whatever. And in daylight.

Sorry about your kid, those guys should go away for a very long time if the prosecutor is tough. Sooner or later they'd kill someone, if they haven't already.

[PaddleAnything]

Sorry to hear about your son and I hope he recovers  as good as new.  

Much of the criminal activity is related to electronics and teen crazy shoes in the second hand market.  For phones and computers, I've had success with both ebay and buy back stores like gazelle.  Costco, Best Buy and Target also have buy back services.  You may not get as much but it is safe.  

I just sold a van using craigslist and it was crazy safe and EZ.  I like to meet people in a place with lots of cameras and near a police station.  

[stoneaxe]

Crazy story. Glad it turned out well. Cautionary tale for sure.