Authorities in Oconee County are searching for two suspects in an attempted strong-arm robbery, aided by a video of the incident shot by the victim himself.
The victim, a 28-year-old Athens man employed by the University of Georgia, responded to an ad on Craigslist to purchase a cell phone, Chief Deputy Lee Weems of the Oconee County Sheriff's Office told the AJC. He set up a meeting with two men in the parking lot of the Kroger store on Epps Bridge Road near Athens, but didn't feel comfortable about the meeting, Weems said, so he concealed a video camera in his clothes.
He met the pair Monday night around 8:30, Weems said, and after some initial small talk, the two men tried to take his money. "They reached out and grabbed him and attacked him," Weems said.
After a brief scuffle, the would-be robbers ran away, without the money. They didn't escape the victim's camera, however, which clearly captured both men on video.
During the video, one of the would-be robbers seems to shout "Get the pistol," but Weems said the men never produced a weapon. The victim was not injured.
Oconee County Sheriff Scott Berry told Channel 2 Action News that the victim used a "pen camera" that attaches to a shirt pocket like a writing pen. He said the victim brought the video to investigators Tuesday morning, and when they saw it they immediately identified the suspects.
Weems said the sheriff's office issued arrest warrants for Timothy Shane Fulcher, 29, and his brother, Michael Anthony Fulcher, 33, both of Bogart. He said the two were not in custody Wednesday morning, but "We do have some information that we're working."
Michael Fulcher has served time in state prison, on forgery and burglary charges in Walton County, according to state records.
Weems said people should use extreme caution setting up arrangements to buy items from strangers.
"If you're worried enough to wear a camera, you're worried enough not to do it," he said. At the very least, he said, customers should meet sellers in an area where other people are around and avoid remote locations.
Anyone with information on the case should call Investigator Dave Stauffacher at 706-769-3945.
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