Suspects use Craigslist to bait victims

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - Mobile police are still looking for a suspect in a robbery that involved the website Craigslist. A second suspect, 17-year-old Gerard Pruitt, was arrested in a sting operation Tuesday.

The transaction was easy enough. The two victims found a listing on Craigslist - a deal on a flat screen television.

"I'm not sure of the details of the listing. I just know they made arrangements to meet," said Ashley Rains with Mobile Police.

Rains said when the victims arrived at the designated location, the two suspects were waiting, but the TV wasn't.

"When they showed up to make the purchase, the suspects pulled a gun and took their property," Rains said.

The two victims called police. This kind of incident has happened before with people making fraudulent posts. It's just not common in our area.

"To our knowledge this is not something that is rampant through this city. It appears to be an isolated incident," said Rains.

Rains said following simple steps can ensure your safety. One of the most important is to try to meet in public. That way if your "deal" is too good to be true, you remain safe.

Pruitt is being charged with first degree robbery. An investigation into the second suspect is ongoing. If you have any information about this case, contact Mobile police.