WARREN, MI – According to the Macomb Daily (paywall; use a bypass like 12ft.io to get around it), a robbery was foiled outside Detroit on Sept. 6 when a CPL holder shot his would-be robbers outside a Planet Fitness in Warren, Mich.
The two set the victim using the classic online want ad scheme. Offer item for sale, and at the agreed upon site of the exchange, rob the other party. The two had contacted the would-be victim through Facebook Marketplace, setting up the meet outside the gym.
The second man is unidentified, but the other was a 16-year-old boy. The boy was armed, but unfortunately, their intended victim had a valid Michigan carry license and was carrying. He drew and fired, hitting the 16-year-old in the chest and dropping him.
The other man fled.
Police were called, and the 16-year-old was transported to a Macomb County hospital and then to St. John’s Hospital in Detroit. The incident is under investigation.
Protecting Yourself In Private Sales: Concealed Carry And Face-to-Face Sales Tips
Be Wary Of The Classifieds
Classified ad robberies have been going on for decades. They went online with the advent of Craigslist and certainly have continued unabated with Facebook Marketplace.
In this case, the would-be victim did everything right and came out on top. They chose a public place with (ostensibly) a well-lit parking lot. They had their permit and were carrying.
Once they knew the meet was a setup, they drew and fired on their robber, sending one packing and dropping the other in his tracks.
That is how you should approach classified ad sales. Insist it’s in a well-lit public place with plenty of witnesses if possible. Don’t put yourself at a disadvantage; have the means to rescue yourself if you have to.
