Tragic Turn of Events: Online Sale Meeting Leads to Violent Robbery in Pomona

In a harrowing incident in Pomona, California, a couple’s attempt to sell an iPad through an online advertisement ended in a violent confrontation. The couple, Eduardo Reyes and his wife, faced the terror of an armed robbery when they arranged a meeting to sell their iPad, only to be assaulted and robbed at gunpoint.

The entire ordeal was captured on the camera of Reyes’ Tesla, which chillingly recorded the progression of events. It began with one suspect, clad in a black hoodie, brandishing a gun, and soon escalated as another suspect joined in the aggression.

Reyes recounts receiving a message on OfferUp, a popular online marketplace, expressing interest in the iPad. But the transaction took a dark turn when he met with the supposed buyers. “I turned around, and the other kid had a gun pointed at me, demanding the iPad,” he said, recalling the terrifying moment.

Amidst the chaos, Reyes’ primary concern was for his wife’s safety. In an attempt to divert the suspects’ attention away from her, he clung to the iPad. Initially, Reyes doubted the authenticity of the weapons until one of the assailants fired a shot into the air. “He fired the gun towards the sky, and I grabbed one of the kid’s hands. He had his gun out. I was trying to point it away from me,” Reyes explained.

The situation further escalated when Reyes was pistol-whipped by one of the suspects. As he urged his wife to call 911, the other suspect turned his aggression toward her, causing her to fall to the ground.

Ultimately, the assailants fled with not only the iPad but also his wife’s phone. Reyes was later treated at a local hospital for several head wounds sustained during the robbery.

The Pomona Police Department is actively investigating the case. Officer Ally Mejia of the Pomona Police issued a cautionary statement for individuals using online apps for transactions. She advised verifying the other party’s profile picture, ensuring their phone number is legitimate, and choosing a well-lit, public place for meetings.

Reflecting on the incident, Reyes, who generally adheres to safety precautions, expressed regret over the meeting location. He had been under the impression that he was dealing with a young individual who mentioned coming with his mother. Going forward, he resolved to choose safer meeting spots, such as in front of a police station, to prevent such a situation from recurring.

The Pomona Police are appealing to the public for any information regarding this incident in hopes of apprehending the suspects involved in this unsettling crime.

Essential Tips for Safe Transactions in Online Marketplace Meetups

When engaging in face-to-face transactions initiated through online marketplaces, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety. The following tips can help mitigate risks and ensure a secure and successful exchange:

1. Public Meeting Places: Always meet in public, well-lit areas like coffee shops, shopping malls, or busy parks. Ideally, choose locations with a significant presence of people throughout the day.
2. Police Station Transactions: Consider conducting transactions at or near a police station. Many police departments offer their parking lots or lobbies as safe zones for online transactions.
3. Avoid Private Residences: Refrain from meeting at private residences or secluded areas. If the buyer or seller insists on such locations, it’s a red flag.
4. Daytime Meetings: Schedule meetups during daylight hours. Visibility is a key factor in ensuring safety.
5. Bring a Friend: Whenever possible, bring a friend or family member along. There’s safety in numbers, and having another person with you can deter potential criminals.
6. Inform Others: Let someone know about the transaction details – where you’re going, with whom you’re meeting, and the time of the meeting.
7. Inspect Profiles: Carefully review the buyer’s or seller’s profile on the platform. Look for verified information, ratings, and reviews from past transactions.
8. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off about the transaction or the individual, trust your instincts and cancel the meeting.
9. Minimal Cash and Valuables: Carry only the necessary amount of cash or use electronic payment methods. Avoid displaying valuables or carrying large amounts of money.
10. Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal information like your home address, workplace, or other personal details.
11. Prepare the Item: If selling, have the item ready for inspection. If buying, know what to check to ensure the item meets your expectations.
12. Vehicle Safety: If the transaction involves a vehicle, ensure it’s parked in a safe, visible area. Keep your keys with you and the doors locked until you’re ready to make the transaction.
13. Document the Transaction: Keep a record of the transaction details, including messages and the description of the item.
14. Post-Transaction Caution: Be aware of your surroundings even after the transaction is complete. Avoid being followed and change your route if necessary.

 

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with face-to-face transactions from online marketplaces. Remember, while most transactions are genuine, it’s essential to remain vigilant and prioritize your safety above all.

Be Safe, Be Armed

Adding self-defense tools to your safety plan when meeting someone from an online marketplace can provide an extra layer of protection. Here are additional guidelines incorporating self-defense tools and heightened alertness:

1. Choose Appropriate Self-Defense Tools: Select a self-defense tool you are comfortable with, such as pepper spray, a personal alarm, or a stun gun. Ensure it’s legal in your area and that you know how to use it effectively. Carry a firearm if possible.
2. Keep Self-Defense Tools Accessible: Have your self-defense tool readily accessible during the transaction. It should be in a place where you can quickly reach it if needed, but not in a way that may provoke or alarm the other party unnecessarily.
3. Stay Alert and Observant: Be highly observant of the other person’s behavior and your surroundings. Watch for any signs of nervousness, aggression, or anything that seems out of the ordinary.
4. Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a comfortable distance between yourself and the other person. This space can give you more time to react if the situation takes a negative turn.
5. Avoid Distractions: Stay off your phone and keep your attention focused on the transaction and the person you are meeting. Distractions can make you a more vulnerable target.
6. Plan an Escape Route: Be aware of your surroundings and have an escape plan in mind. Know where you can go quickly if you feel threatened.
7. Be Wary of Multiple People: If the buyer or seller arrives with additional people that you were not expecting, be extra cautious. This could be a tactic to overwhelm or intimidate you.
8. Again, Trust Your Instincts: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or sense danger, do not hesitate to leave immediately. Your safety is more important than any transaction.
9. Post-Meeting Vigilance: After the meeting, remain alert until you are safely away from the meeting location. Ensure you are not being followed.

 

Remember, while it’s important to be prepared for self-defense, the primary goal is to avoid dangerous situations. Using these precautions, along with self-defense tools, can help ensure your safety during in-person transactions initiated online.

As always, be safe and be prepared.

 

See Also:

• Personal Preparedness in Portland: The Rising Importance of Self-Defense Tools Amidst Public Safety Concerns
• Chicago Group Asks Gangs to Stop Shooting During the Day
• No More Safe Spaces
• Odds of Being a Victim of Violence or Crime?