Craigslist is a fantastic marketplace. You can literally buy and sell anything, or so these gents thought. As reported by The Colorado Springs Police Department:
On 02/01/14 at approximately 1700 hrs. Officer M. McCormick, was dispatched to the 1600 block of Loraine St. to investigate a reported burglary. Upon arrival he contacted the Victim who stated that between approximately 2200 hrs. on 1/31/14 and 1000 hrs. on 02/01/14 that an unknown person illegally entered his open attached garage and removed his Cannondale brand mountain bike valued at approximately $5,000.00. The Victim stated that his bicycle was very unique in that it was comprised of parts that he specifically purchased to put on the bicycle.
Not to digress, or say anything negative about a fellow cyclist, but you left the garage door open? Oh well. The damage has been done. Or … has it?
The Victim immediately began a search on Craigslist in an attempt to see if he could locate an ad containing his stolen bicycle. The Victim located an ad for a Cannondale bicycle that was posted approximately 12 hours after he initially reported the burglary.
That’s my bike! That’s my bike! But the police will never believe me. Or … will they?
The Victim then contacted Officer Brian Kelly, with the Colorado Springs Police Department and showed him the photographs of the Cannondale brand mountain bike. On 02/03/14 at approximately 1500 hrs, Officer Kelly contacted Detective Strachan and explained that the Victim was confident that the photos on the Craigslist ad were of his bicycle. Officers established telephone contact with the party on the Craigslist ad and a meeting was arranged at the Safeway store located at 624 W. Highway 105 in Monument Colorado. The Monument Police Department was notified and present as Detectives and Officers took part in a coordinated plan to meet with the party selling the bicycle. At the pre-arranged meeting, Officers checked for the serial numbers and were able to recognize the bicycle as the same one in the ad from the upgraded parts.
Four individuals that were posing as the sellers of the bicycle were detained. William Fortune (20), and Tyler Fraser (22) were taken into custody and transported to the Gold Hill substation. At the time Mr. Fortune was taken into custody he was in possession of a .40 Caliber Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun. The handgun was concealed on his person in the back waistband underneath his shirt and pants. Mr. Fortune does not have a valid Concealed Carry Permit and is only 20 years old.
Mr. Fortune confessed to removing the Cannondale bicycle from the open garage. Mr. Fortune took the bicycle back to his residence and contacted Tyler Fraser and asked him for assistance selling the bicycle on Craigslist for $2,000.00.
William Fortune was charged with Second Degree Burglary, Theft (Felony) and Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Tyler Fraser was charged with Theft (Felony). Both were transported to the Criminal Justice Center.
Bam!