Suspect at large after armed Craigslist scam

By Kelly Koopmans KVAL News Published: Jun 10, 2011 at 6:35 AM PDT

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- A suspect is on the loose after an armed Craigslist scam in Springfield.

Police said they were called to an armed robbery at about 6 p.m. Wednesday. The crime took place in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 889 Oakdale Ave.

Police said the victim, Anthony Dagostino of Medford, made the trip to Springfield to purchase a vehicle that had been advertised on Craigslist by the suspect. 

On a Craigslist ad, the suspect claimed to be from Salem and asked the victim to meet him at an apartment complex on Lindale Dr. in Springfield. 

When Dagostino arrived at the complex where they agreed to meet, the suspect met him on the street and asked to be driven to the apartment complex of Oakdale Ave. where he claimed the car was parked.

Once they arrived in the parking lot, police said the suspect took out a handgun and ordered Dagostino to give him money.

Dagostino gave the suspect the envelope with $4,000 cash that was supposed to be payment for the car.

Police said he then ran from his car to a nearby apartment for help.

When officers arrived they said they found the victim's vehicle still running in the parking lot, but the suspect was gone.

Police said they found a witness who saw a person with a similar description to the suspect running a few blocks away. However, officers and a K9 searched the area and couldn't find him.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION

  • Hispanic male adult
  • Mid 20s
  • 5'10 to 6'0
  • Medium Build
  • Medium length brown hair
  • Scruffy Facial Hair
  • Wearing a white zip-up sweatshirt with no hood
  • Armed with a handgun

If you have any information about this suspect, please call Springfield Police.