Suspects Apprehended in Craigslist iPod Robbery

Ferndale Police arrested two men Monday evening who are suspected of taking an iPod from another man who had agreed to meet via Craigslist to sell the item.

Shortly after 7 p.m. Monday, Ferndale Police responded to a report of a strong-armed robbery – a robbery that doesn't involve a weapon. Two 18-year-old men agreed to meet another 18-year-old man via the buy-and-sell website Craigslist, according to Ferndale Police Lt. Detective William Wilson.

The two parties agreed to meet at Eight Mile and Woodward. Upon arriving to the meeting location, the seller of the iPod invited the suspects into his car, Wilson said.

"One of the suspects displayed some cash and the victim handed him the iPod out of a box," Wilson said. "The suspect than grabbed the iPod and ran. His partner grabbed the box containing the accessories and also ran."

The victim quickly dialed 911, Wilson said, and the responding officer found the two suspect between buildings in Ferndale, west of Woodward and off Eight Mile.

"When he approached, both tried to escape," Wilson said. "The officer wrestled one suspect into handcuffs and the other ran."

The fleeing suspect took off across Eight Mile into Detroit, but another Ferndale officer had cut off his escape, police said. "The thief then ran back northbound across Eight Mile to another Ferndale officer who arrested him," Wilson said.

No one was injured in the Monday incident, Wilson said. If the suspects are charged with a strong-armed robbery, they could face up to 15 years in prison, he said. He expects the two suspects to be arraigned today in 43rd District Court.

Wilson said Ferndale Police have reason to believe the two suspects have been involved in similar crimes. Wilson said anyone who may have been the victim of such a crime should contact the Ferndale Police Department.

"This is starting to sound like an old story, but these crimes keep happening," Wilson said. He said it's imperative that people conducting business over websites like Craigslist be aware.

"Set up the meetings in a safe and secure place, where a lot of people are. A coffee shop or maybe your local police station lobby," Wilson said.