Police investigating armed robbery near USC campus that started as online sale
A robber held up a person near the University of South Carolina’s campus Friday night after the two agreed to a sale through an online app, according to police.
The victim arranged to buy an item from another person through Letgo, a popular app for buying and selling new and used items, the USC Police Department said in a statement.
At about 9:20 p.m., the two met near Pendleton and Main streets, which is just behind the State House and only a block away from the Horseshoe at USC, according to the department.
The suspect pulled a handgun and demanded money. The victim gave him the money and the robber ran away, police said.
USC Police and Columbia Police Department officers searched the area but didn’t find the robber.
USC police descriped him as a “black male with thin build, approximately 6’0” tall and 170 lbs. ... last seen wearing a yellow shirt, a blue medical mask, and carrying a black backpack.”
Police encouraged the public to report any related information to the Columbia Police Department, or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888-CRIME-SC or to send anonymous tips via text or online, go to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com
The USC Police Deparment offered these safety tips for people making exchanges arranged online:
- When using an app to buy or sell items, be sure the exchange occurs in a well-lit area during daytime hours and in a well-populated, public place. The area should preferably be in a place with surveillance cameras.
- If someone insists that you come alone, changes the meeting location or refuses to meet in a public place, trust your instincts. If a place or situation doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
- If you see someone or something suspicious, call or text USCPD.
- The department offers the free RAVE Guardian Safety App, which turns any cell phone into a personalized protection network, connecting with University Police during an emergency and giving officers the information they need instantly. Get more information here.