Crime & Safety

iPhone Scam Leads to Shooting in Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park

Victim turned the tables on would-be robber and held him at bay until police arrived.

Atlanta police arrested a man in Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park Thursday night after he attempted to rob another man responding to a bogus ad on Craigslist.

Michael Lee Willis Jr., 18, was arrested and charged with armed robbery in the incident, which occurred after 7 p.m. He remains in jail.

Police gave the following account:

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The victim, 33, responded to a Craigslist post about an iPhone 5 for sale.

Both men agreed to meet at the park off 650 Willoughby Way NE.

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At the meeting, Willis pulled out a .380-caliber pistol and ordered the victim to give up his mobile phone and cash.

The victim was forced back into his own car, where he happened to have a .45-caliber gun.

The victim fired twice in Willis' direction, ordering his would-be assailant to the ground and holding him at gunpoint until police arrived.


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