WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Police arrested a suspect accused of carjacking a man near Polaris on Wednesday.
According to a preliminary investigation report, a man said he was conducting a test drive in the area of Quantum Square Drive with someone interested in purchasing his vehicle off of Facebook Marketplace.
While the person was test-driving the vehicle around an apartment complex, the owner of the car was in the passenger seat.
Delaware County Common Pleas Court records say 21-year-old Anthony Moten appeared from between some vehicles and showed a gun.
The test driver stopped the car and ran away. Records say Moten got into the driver's seat and told the victim to give him the key. The victim got out of the car and Moten reportedly drove away.
A short time later, Westerville officers found the vehicle at a T-Mobile store on state Route 3. Records say a man was acting suspiciously inside the store and officers were in the area based on a Flock hit on the stolen vehicle.
The man, identified as Moten, ran from the store and Westerville officers Tased him. The victim of the robbery was taken to the area of the T-Mobile store who positively identified the man as the person who pulled a gun on him, records say.
As online sites like Facebook Marketplace become more popular, police say meeting in well-lit, populated areas is important.
Deanna Archer, of Westerville, said meeting at a safe place is important.
“I think people that target more of the suburban areas, thinking somebody is going to be naïve, they’re going to be trusting, let’s take advantage of them,” she said.
Hillard Police Sgt. Kristopher Settles says to pay attention to red flags.
“Such as they only want to meet at night or they won’t give you their phone number or it's only through an app,” said Settles.
Many police stations offer safe exchange zones in their parking lots.
Sgt. Settles recommends giving a close friend or family member your location to make sure the transaction goes smoothly.
Moten is charged with aggravated robbery. His bond is set at $500,000 and is due in court again on Sept. 13.