FTF sale goes bad

[GunnyGene]

This happened near Jackson, MS yesterday. Some lessons to be learned from this. Posted on ArmsList. http://www.armslist.com/posts/6340794/jackson-mississippi-rifles-for-sale--robbed-at-gunpoint

I was robbed at gunpoint today. I had listed my 1-year old DPMS Oracle Flat Top AR15 (ser #FFH027247) on armslist (Flowood) on Sunday Jan 15. The first contact with the individual was when he texted me at 10:00pm Sunday night asking if the rifle was still available. I texted “yes” and he texted asking if he could call that late. I texted “yes, now is a good time”, and he promptly called. The individual stated that he lived in Raymond, but would like to meet in Jackson near Old Canton Rd because his father lived by J.A. and was an FFL. He stated that he would like his father to be present to ensure a legal transaction, and that he might spend the night with his father that night. I had owned the rifle a year, but it had never been fired and it was still in the original box with all paperwork, security lock, etc. I let him know that he could buy the rifle if he was a) 18 y/o, b) not a felon, and c) would sign a bill of sale after showing proper ID. He agreed and said that he could meet today (MLK Jr Day). He said he wanted to meet at a public location with security cameras because he had been robbed and they stole his gun. He said he needed to buy a gun to protect his wife and two kids. I responded that I would ONLY meet in a public location and the presence of security cameras sounded good. I texted him this morning to ask if we could meet in the parking lot of Highland Village or Northpark Mall. He called me to say that he wasn’t able to get in contact with his father, and hadn’t stayed with him the previous night. He said was driving from Raymond, and wasn’t sure where Highland Village was. He mentioned meeting at a local police dept in Jackson, but neither of us was certain where Jackson's Precinct 4 had moved to. He said that he had a friend who was also an FFL that managed an apartment complex, and suggested that we meet outside the office of the apartment complex because they had security cameras (Lakeside Apartments on Beasley Rd/Adkins Blvd). Although I was not familiar with the area I agreed because this guy had been saying everything I wanted to hear as far as meeting in a public location, security cameras, and an FFL transaction. I parked in front of the office upon arriving, but didn’t immediately see any security cameras. The individual said that he would be in a 2015 grey Honda Accord. He walked from behind the building about 11:15am wearing a gray sweatshirt with the hood over his head. This was the FIRST indicator that something might be suspicious, but by this time we were talking to each other across the parking lot and I was already committed. My SECOND suspicious indicator was when his buddy stepped out of a parked vehicle nearby and NOT from the office. I introduced myself and noticed that the individual appeared young and could have been less than 18 y/o. I showed him the bill of sale that I had drafted and opened the back of my SUV to let him inspect the rifle, box, registration card, and owner’s manual. He said he wanted to see the serial number so he could “run it” on his cell phone app to make sure it wasn’t stolen. I showed him the number and then FELT THE BARREL OF HIS BUDDY’S REVOLVER PRESSING INTO MY NECK behind my jaw. His buddy said “Don’t give your life for dis”. Completely surprised, I turned around to see the buddy back away while pointing a stainless revolver at me. It was fully loaded with jacketed soft tip ammo and appeared to be .32 or .38 caliber. I asked him directly “what are ya’ll doing” and he repeated “Don’t give your life for dis”. I asked him directly “Is this a stickup?” and he responded “Yes, don't give your life for dis”. The first individual picked up the boxed rifle and began running away. His buddy also began running away while continuing to point the revolver at me. I could have easily shot them both in the back as they fled but knew I would have a mess on my hands. I dialed 911 as they were still within sight and the police were on the scene w/in 20 minutes.

Description: Both males were dark complected African American males about 5’9” to 5’10” tall, 160-170#, and approximately 18-20 years old. One wore a gray hooded sweatshirt and the other wore a white shirt with black jacket. Both had ‘designer’ blue jeans with nice designs on the rear pockets. The buddy’s jeans were ‘sagging’ a bit and he had to pull them up at least once. The individual’s cell phone number was (601) 283-3880.

BE CAREFUL out there! We had at least 5 phone conversations before the meeting and they guy said everything I wanted to hear. Be suspicious when the meeting location changes. Situational awareness is also KEY. The guy was out of my sight for only 2 seconds when he got the drop on me and stuck his revolver in my neck. They worked as a team and had obviously planned the robbery and distractions very well. I am lucky to be alive. A $250 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest of these two individuals. I pray that God will work in these men's lives.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I can't say I wouldn't have shot a couple of folks. You can say that, your life was no longer in danger but if they are willing to stick a gun in someones face to steal a bigger gun it's just a matter of time they are going to shoot someone. I guess you have to be there to decide what you would have done. Glad he didn't loose his life over this FTF deal.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Bottom line, YOU are ok!

What couple FTF sales I've done I was VERY choosey on who I even responded to. The first was an older gentleman with common acquaintances so I knew that was good. The other...he was more than happy to me me at work and a bit of research showed all positive things for him too. A few other offers just weren't comfortable from the get-go. Worked far too long in customer service to not be able to have suspicions.

 

[Mobuck]

As I've mentioned before, we don't do high dollar or firearms type FTF deals alone. I'm always the "security guy" holding back and watching the area.

 

[Cholo]

Sorry, Gunny, but this is as bogus as they come, the least being the source of the article--Armslist. It wouldn't even matter if the reported source was the most trusted TV station in the area. Just some of the laughable parts of this "article":

"I turned around to see the buddy back away while pointing a stainless revolver at me. It was fully loaded with jacketed soft tip ammo and appeared to be .32 or .38 caliber."

Really? You actually saw jacked soft tip ammo as opposed to ball, SWC, or hollow points? I can't remember anyone loading their .32 or .38 with jacked soft tipped ammo, much less actually noticing them in a gun pointed at me.

"His buddy also began running away while continuing to point the revolver at me. I could have easily shot them both in the back as they fled but knew I would have a mess on my hands."

"Both had ‘designer’ blue jeans with nice designs on the rear pockets."

Yeah, I'd notice that, too, while I had a gun pointed at me while facing the Grim Reaper.

:mrgreen:

 

[GunnyGene]

Sorry, Gunny, but this is as bogus as they come, the least being the source of the article--Armslist. It wouldn't even matter if the reported source was the most trusted TV station in the area. Just some of the laughable parts of this "article":

"I turned around to see the buddy back away while pointing a stainless revolver at me. It was fully loaded with jacketed soft tip ammo and appeared to be .32 or .38 caliber."

Really? You actually saw jacked soft tip ammo as opposed to ball, SWC, or hollow points? I can't remember anyone loading their .32 or .38 with jacked soft tipped ammo, much less actually noticing them in a gun pointed at me.

"His buddy also began running away while continuing to point the revolver at me. I could have easily shot them both in the back as they fled but knew I would have a mess on my hands."

"Both had ‘designer’ blue jeans with nice designs on the rear pockets."

Yeah, I'd notice that, too, while I had a gun pointed at me while facing the Grim Reaper.

:mrgreen:

I can't vouch for the veracity of this, and not knowing how ArmsList manages their website I suppose you could be right. There are some people I know in that area tho, and there is some discussion of whether this is a little creative fiction or the real deal. :?:

Btw if real, it wouldn't be the first time an FTF in the Jackson area has gone sideways.

 

[deerstalkert]

smells to me .
but the lessons learned are real.
i never do a FTF alone.
i will never let the buyer choose the playing field.
i always get a phone number and do a call back to make sure it is real.
i never do a ftf alone.

 

[JFB]

interesting hit when googling the phone number
http://www.xdd2.com/phn/601/283/3880/(601)283-3880/0

 

[NikA]

That's more an interesting concept to me than anything else. I get why it exists, but with people being so willing to put their info out there, it's just like screaming in the wilderness.

e.g.: I also searched the phone number on Google. Within the first 10 hits I found this site (http://hodges-directory.us/directory.php?q=1ph-601-283-5644-Arnold-Line-Mississippi-Joyce-Dr), which lists that phone number as belonging to a "Rob Day". Who knows if this is in fact the correct information?

I then searched "Robert Day" in MS, and found a number of records, including a recent obit. Among the records, I found a listing for a Robert Day in Jackson, related to an Apryl Day. Spelling of the name tells me that this person is likely a minority. Robert Day in Jackson does not have an age listed on his record, indicating that he may be a minor.

So I searched "Apryl Day" in Jackson, MS, and found several records, many related to Robert Day. One 29, one 49, would guess mother/daughter; some others that could be aunts/grandmothers. Based on high school grad date, I'd say this is the daughter: https://www.facebook.com/apryl.day.7. Also found an address and a phone number, and I'm sure anyone could as well with 5 minutes.

Between people's willingness to distribute personal data and the number of databases recording it publicly, one would have to be pretty stupid to use a registered phone to pull something like this. Sure sounds like a teenager to me! Although perhaps not Robert Day of Jackson, MS, because who knows if this data is any good.

 

[blume357]

I agree, I would bet good money the story is bogus. I'd like to say I would not have been surprised, but I will say when the 2nd guy showed up I would have turned and changed position so that both were in view and I had as much as possible between me and them.

 

[Fox Mike]

Sorry, Gunny, but this is as bogus as they come, the least being the source of the article--Armslist. It wouldn't even matter if the reported source was the most trusted TV station in the area. Just some of the laughable parts of this "article":

"I turned around to see the buddy back away while pointing a stainless revolver at me. It was fully loaded with jacketed soft tip ammo and appeared to be .32 or .38 caliber."

Really? You actually saw jacked soft tip ammo as opposed to ball, SWC, or hollow points? I can't remember anyone loading their .32 or .38 with jacked soft tipped ammo, much less actually noticing them in a gun pointed at me.

"His buddy also began running away while continuing to point the revolver at me. I could have easily shot them both in the back as they fled but knew I would have a mess on my hands."

"Both had ‘designer’ blue jeans with nice designs on the rear pockets."

Yeah, I'd notice that, too, while I had a gun pointed at me while facing the Grim Reaper.

:mrgreen:

I am in complete agreement with Cholo's statement. Having had a revolver shoved in my face some many years ago I can tell you that the very last thing I was looking at was to see what kind of bullets were pointed at me. I am not too sure even of the caliber; I believe it was a .38 but wouldn't swear to it. The guy that did it was dressed but after that I haven't a clue as to how. If this person was that observant he should have been back in his car and headed away from the area as soon as he saw the second person.

 

[Montelores]

"I can't vouch for the veracity of this..."

Does this then qualify as "fake news?"

Monty

 

[bvd1]

I stopped at my local police station and asked if I could transfer a rifle in their parking lot that I was selling. They said "Sure" and they told me they watch the parking lot on their monitors. I will only do transactions there. I had an interested party that kept messaging me saying "hey dude, why won't you meet somewhere else?" Not a chance buddy!

 

[chowser51]

Doesn't matter what I sell. I always ask to meet at a PD. If they won't meet there then no sale.

Some guy wanted my address to inspect some tires and wheels I was selling. I told him I would bring it to the PD and he can inspect them there. Never got a call back.

 

[mistermills357]

Sorry, Gunny, but this is as bogus as they come, the least being the source of the article--Armslist. It wouldn't even matter if the reported source was the most trusted TV station in the area. Just some of the laughable parts of this "article":

"I turned around to see the buddy back away while pointing a stainless revolver at me. It was fully loaded with jacketed soft tip ammo and appeared to be .32 or .38 caliber."

Really? You actually saw jacked soft tip ammo as opposed to ball, SWC, or hollow points? I can't remember anyone loading their .32 or .38 with jacked soft tipped ammo, much less actually noticing them in a gun pointed at me.

"His buddy also began running away while continuing to point the revolver at me. I could have easily shot them both in the back as they fled but knew I would have a mess on my hands."

"Both had ‘designer’ blue jeans with nice designs on the rear pockets."

Yeah, I'd notice that, too, while I had a gun pointed at me while facing the Grim Reaper.

:mrgreen:

I am going to agree with Cholo, the story has a bad ring to it. And details like--it was a .32 or a .38, loaded with soft tip--sounds specious/fake to me. Adding detail like that is an attempt, to make the story sound plausible, when it is not.