Lewes – Troopers are investigating a robbery and assault of a man after he came to Lewes to make a purchase off Craigslist.

The incident was reported to troopers around 2:11 a.m. Sunday October 1, 2017, after medical personnel at Beebe Healthcare contacted Troop 7 to inform them of an assault victim that was being treated.  The 32-year-old male victim informed investigators that he came down to Lewes from Dover to meet with a potential seller of an electronic device that was posted on Craigslist.  The victim met the seller at the north end of Stingey Lane (Dead End) and as the two began to converse, three male subjects approached his car and punched him in the face through his window.  The three then pulled him from his vehicle and continued to assault him while removing his jewelry and a cell phone.  The three suspects then fled the area in an unknown direction and the Craigslist seller also drove away from the scene.  The male victim then drove himself to Beebe Healthcare for treatment.

The three suspects could only be described as one white male and two black males.  No further physical or clothing description.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Trooper J. Berry at 302-644-5020.  Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

The Delaware State Police would like to offer a few safety tips for citizens to keep in mind when conducting such transactions:

• Citizens who want to meet a buyer or seller should do so during daylight hours.
• Do not go to a transaction alone.
• Make sure a friend or family member is aware of the transaction details.
• Insist on meeting in a public area where cameras are located.  You can always conduct transactions in Troop or Police Department parking lots.
• Do not go into someone else’s home, and do not allow them into yours.
• If someone is not willing to meet you in a public area, during daylight areas, it is probably not a legitimate transaction
• Trust your instincts.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 100117 1020

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