An Illinois man with a concealed carry permit defended himself when a would-be Facebook Marketplace burglar tried to steal his car, police said.
Peoria police said the permit holder and his friend met with several other men who were believed to be selling the vehicle through the popular social media platform Facebook Marketplace.
Semone Ross of the Peoria Police Department said in a press release that when the two arrived at the agreed meeting point, they were surrounded by armed counterfeiters.
“The investigation revealed that this was a planned robbery and there was no intention to sell the vehicle,” Ross said.
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File – A woman with a handgun. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)
Once inside the alley, armed suspects attempted to rob the two men.
Their plan was foiled because one of the men was in possession of a gun.
Authorities said a “struggle ensued” and both sides began firing at each other.
Police said the robbery suspect was beaten to death at the scene.
Scammers use Facebook Marketplace to steal your information. (CyberGuy.com)
Local authorities and paramedics arrived at the scene at 5pm and immediately began life-saving measures.
Despite the efforts of first responders, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Officials said the concealed carryer was a legal gun owner from another state and had a permit to carry the weapon from one state to another. He was released without any charges.
A man fires a pistol at the indoor shooting range during a qualification course to renew his concealed handgun carry permit at Placer Sports Club in Roseville, California. (AP)
The matter is still under investigation by local police and will be reviewed by the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office.
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“The Peoria Police Department would like to remind the public to always be vigilant during marketplace-type transactions,” Ross said. “Use wise judgment in choosing a highly visible location, preferably under video surveillance. Police station parking lots and lobbies can also be used to conduct such transactions. .”
