A recent incident in Roseland involving a robbery during a social media marketplace meetup took a dangerous turn when the victim was shot while trying to disarm the perpetrator. The incident occurred on Thursday night in the first block of West 103rd Place.
According to a preliminary report from the Chicago Police Department, the 19-year-old victim and a companion had arranged to sell a PlayStation gaming console to a man they had connected with online. However, upon arrival, the buyer brandished a rifle and announced a robbery.
In a brave attempt to defend themselves, the victims engaged in a struggle to disarm the robber. Unfortunately, during the scuffle, the rifle discharged, hitting the 19-year-old victim in his right calf and left forearm. Despite sustaining injuries, the victims managed to overpower the assailant and detain him until CPD officers arrived and took him into custody.
The injured victim was promptly taken to Christ Hospital in good condition by paramedics. This incident occurred in close proximity to previous marketplace robberies in the area, highlighting the dangers of online transactions. In a separate incident, a victim responding to an online ad for a Toyota Highlander was robbed in the first block of East 103rd Street, while another robbery involving a fake car listing occurred on West 119th Street.
The Chicago Police Department issued a community alert earlier this week, linking these cases and warning residents about offenders using fake social media listings to lure victims. In the previous robberies, the offender was described as an armed individual with a handgun.
It is crucial for individuals engaging in online transactions to exercise caution and prioritize their safety. As incidents like these continue to occur, it is essential to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to such crimes.
CWBChicago, a platform dedicated to providing original public safety reporting with better context and greater detail than mainstream media outlets, continues to keep the community informed about such incidents. Their commitment to accurate and reliable reporting ensures that residents are aware of potential risks and can take appropriate measures to protect themselves.
