CMPD: Do your Craigslist deal at a police station parking lot

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officials have a suggestion for anyone agreeing to buy something off Craigslist.

Meet the seller at a CMPD division office parking lot, police officials suggest.

That is one of several safety precautions offered by police in the wake of at least three armed robberies in August involving supposed Craigslist purchases. In each case, police said, the victim agreed to meet sellers at a location but was robbed instead.

Authorities arrested three men earlier this month in connection with the robberies.

On Aug. 17, a man reported being assaulted and robbed in the 500 block of Klondike Lane in north Charlotte. He had gone there to buy a cellphone advertised on Craigslist, police said. The same thing happened to another victim Aug. 19 on Dedmon Drive, also in north Charlotte.

And on Aug. 28, a man once again agreed to meet a cellphone seller in the 500 block of Klondike Lane but instead was assaulted.

On Sept. 2, police reported arresting Chris Bennett, 16, Deonte Stitt, 20, and Tadarian Lindsey, 22, in connection with the robberies.

Some suggestions from police to those who use Craigslist, Facebook or other social media sites for purchases:

This story was originally published September 16, 2014 at 12:22 PM with the headline "CMPD: Do your Craigslist deal at a police station parking lot."