On October 9, 2014 at 1:25 p.m., officers were dispatched to a robbery that had just occurred in the parking lot of the US Bank located at 41298 Paseo Padre Parkway. Officers arrived and learned that a 24 year old male victim had been robbed at gunpoint of two iPhone 6 smart phones. The victim informed officers that he had attempted to sell the two phones on Craigslist and had met the potential buyer at the bank because it was a public place. Prior to being robbed, the victim and suspect entered the bank where they looked at the phones. They then exited the bank to discuss the exchange in the parking lot. As they stood in the lot, the suspect took a handgun out of his pants and pointed it at the victim. The suspect then ordered the victim to get inside his (victim’s) vehicle. The victim complied and the suspect fled with the two iPhones.
Investigating officers made contact with victim and learned that they had conducting part of their meeting inside the bank. Knowing that banks always have video surveillance, officers were able to obtain images of the victim and suspect. Through their investigation officers identified the suspect as Michael Le (24 years old/Hayward resident). On the evening of October 9, 2014, Fremont Detectives and Street Crimes Officers located and arrested Le in the City of Hayward without incident. Le was found to be in possession of the stolen cell phones and a loaded firearm at the time of his arrest.
Le was booked into Santa Rita Jail on several charges: robbery, armed during the commission of a felony, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of known stolen property and a probation violation.
Here are a few suggestions from FPD Detectives when selling or purchasing items via Craigslist or from a second-hand party:
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Always arrange to meet in a public place.
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NEVER travel or agree to meet at the residence of the seller/buyer (remember the other party is a stranger!). The only exception should be if you are purchasing a large item. In this case take a friend (or two) with you.
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A police department's public parking lot is a great place to meet, but make sure it’s during normal business hours.
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Find and use a meeting place that has visible video surveillance cameras.
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Always feel comfortable about the meeting place. Get to the location early and look around. Don’t be scared or worried about changing the location.
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Always get a phone number, name and any additional contact information (vehicle that they are driving, email, etc.) that you can.
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Never meet at night.
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Never meet alone.
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Always proceed with caution and don’t go through with anything you feel might be suspicious.
