A teen was arrested Tuesday in Macon after the planned online sale of a cell phone took a turn for the worse.
According to a media release from the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, Roger Hill, the victim, placed a cell phone for sale on Facebook. The unidentified 14-year-old suspect contacted Hill through the social media site to make arrangements to meet on Tuesday. Hill showed the phone to the suspect who snatched it and fled.
Hill provided police with a Facebook photograph of the suspect that led investigators to his residence, where they arrested him on a robbery by snatching charge. Police recovered the phone from the suspect and returned it to Hill. The suspect was taken to the Macon Regional Youth Development Center.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office advises those purchasing or selling items online to complete transactions in a well-populated area or at a local police department.
Last year, there were several metro Atlanta crimes related to online transactions including the shooting deaths of James Earl Jones Jr., Bud and June Runion and Daniel John Zeitz.
Metro Atlanta officials encourage people to follow these tips when shopping online:
• Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe.
• Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home.
• Be especially careful when buying/selling high value items.
• Tell a friend or family member where you're going.
• Take your cell phone along if you have one.
• Consider having a friend accompany you.
• Trust your instincts.
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