Police: Facebook transaction led to robbery

Mankato police say a Facebook transaction led to a robbery last week.

The incident happened at about 12:39 p.m. Friday at an apartment complex at 60 Hilltop Lane near Hoffmann Rd

Mankato Department of Public Safety spokesperson Dan Schisel said a seller had listed a television on Facebook and agreed to meet the potential buyer at the complex.  Two “buyers” met outside with the two men who were delivering the television, according to Schisel.

The men apparently carried the TV into an apartment building where a fight ensued between the four parties, and a small-caliber weapon was discharged.

The suspects – the purchasers – fled from the building, according to Schisel.  He said one of the suspects has been identified, but investigators are still looking for him.

Police say no one was struck by gunfire, but the television was hit.

Schisel said the case is classified as a robbery because the purchasers intended to obtain the TV by “other means” than the intended transaction.  He also recommended internet sellers perform transactions in an area that has cameras and advised using a well-lit area at night.

“We have a safe location down here where you could make that transaction and it’s on video camera,” Schisel reminds residents.

The incident is still under investigation.