SAVANNAH, GA (March 3, 2016): Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating a robbery by sudden snatching and gun discharge at Savannah Mall’s food court on March 3.
Metro responded to the mall, located on the 14000 block of Abercorn Street, at about 1:54 p.m. where they made contact with Nicholas Rivera, 28. Rivera was reportedly robbed while attempting to sell a laptop computer he advertised on Craig’s List to the suspect posing as a customer. The suspect reportedly grabbed the laptop, before running out of the food court with Rivera trailing behind him.
Once outside, Rivera fired one warning shot into the air. No injuries were reported. Investigators believe Rivera continued following the suspect until the suspect entered a burgundy sedan with at least three other occupants. The sedan fled toward Highway 204.
The robbery suspect is described as a black male with a dark complexion, possibly in his late teens to early 20s. The suspect was clean-shaven with his hair styled in twists or a short afro. During the incident he wore a black jacket and blue jeans.
No charges have been filed at this time.
SCMPD urges citizens to make safety the highest priority when buying and selling goods advertised online. The public is reminded of the following safety tips:
- Utilize police precincts as meeting places.
- Avoid meeting to buy or sell items alone.
- Always advise a friend or loved one of your plans to buy or sell items.
- Arrive early and position yourself to observe and evaluate your surroundings and individuals you are scheduled to meet. If something makes you uneasy, leave immediately.
- Buyers and sellers always should meet in public highly populated places during daylight or business hours.
- Always take a working cellular phone to alert police of emergencies.
- Never invite strangers into your home and avoid entering their residences.
- Avoid posting personal information online.
- Have several adults present when selling heavy items that are difficult to remove from your home.
- Keep valuables out of view.
- Be leery of purchasers attempting to use cashier’s check from out-of-state or outside of the country. These may be counterfeit.
Anyone with information on this case should call CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
A confidential tip line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.
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