Police warn residents about on-line ad dangers

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (WSVN) -- A local police department is warning residents to be cautious of Craigslist ads after they received reports of several residents who were attacked when they used the on-line service.

Wednesday night, the Miami Gardens Police Department issued words of warning to South Florida residents who use the popular on-line ads website Craigslist to sell goods. Miami Gardens Police Capt. Ralph Suarez said, "We just want to make sure that people, whenever they're going to use Craigslist as a way of buying or selling something, that they're aware of the potential danger that they're confronting."

According to police, three people were attacked or robbed when they met up with those who responded to their Craigslist ads. The first victim, Paul Weiner of Margate, said a man responded to his Craigslist ad three weeks ago. Weiner set up a meeting to buy gold from the man, whom he met at a vacant house in the 800 block of Northwest 179th Street in Miami Gardens.

When he got there, Weiner said, the robber struck his forehead with the butt of a gun. Then, the suspect stole Weiner's gold jewelry and $1,500 in cash. "[He] cocks the gun and says, 'Give me your money, give me the chain and nobody will get hurt,'" said Weiner.

The suspect remains at large.

On Dec. 23, Genaro Arguello and several of his friends met up with a man in Dania Beach, who agreed to pay them $70 for an iPhone. However, the crook stole the phone from them. "He sitting there, he takes out a gun and points it at all of us," Arguello said. "I had a guy pointed at me, so I gave him whatever he wanted. It's just money and an iPhone."

Authorities used the stolen iPhone to track down the suspect, 19-year-old Esteban Granados, who was arrested and charged with armed robbery.

In a third case, a thief shot U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Karl Trenker several times and stole a gold chain, on Dec. 21. Trenker partook in the Craigslist sale on behalf of his fiancé. "He kind of picked [the necklace] up, put it in his hand, and said, 'Yeah, that feels real,'" said Trenker, "and then, he just took off running."

"I just can't believe it," said his fiancé. "If you think about it that could have been me."

The man accused of shooting Trenker was arrested and is now facing charges in the armed robbery.

Craigslist contains the following safety tips for buyers and sellers on its website:

-Meet in a public place
-Have a friend or family member accompany you
-Be especially careful when buying or selling high-value items
-Take your cell phone
-Trust your instincts

"This is a new way crooks come out to rob people," Suarez said.

If you have any information on any Craigslist robberies of which authorities may not be aware, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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