Craigslist Computer Buyer Walks Into Clifton Ambush, Disarms Gunman

CLIFTON, N.J. -- A Bronx man who drove to Clifton responding to a Craigslist ad to buy a computer was nearly robbed instead, authorities said.

Clifton police.
Photo Credit: *COURTESY: Clifton PD*

Jerry DeMarco

10/31/2016 11:13 a.m.

The 40-year-old victim told police he showed up at Harrison Place and Ackerman Avenue around 10:15 p.m. Saturday to complete the purchase when a masked bandit approached his car and pointed a gun at him, Detective Lt. Robert Bracken said Monday.

He said he struggled with the would-be robber, disarming him, and the bandit ran off on Ackerman Avenue, Bracken said.

The driver, who described him as Hispanic and in his 20s, turned over the gun to police.

Bracken asked that anyone with information about the incident contact Clifton police: (973) 470-5908.

He also advised "anyone arranging for an Internet purchase to ensure that the transaction takes place in a public place.

"Meeting on dark side streets and/or areas that are not well-lit or populated will only increase the chance of someone falling victim to this type of crime."

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