By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com
A Folsom family that lost approximately $2,200 worth of property in an April 15 burglary has tracked down some of the stolen items via Craigslist, Folsom Police report.
On Friday, Folsom Police investigators helped recover a laptop stolen from the family's home on Big Valley Road, according to a Police Department news release. Investigators met with a suspect in Carmichael Park after the man posted the property for sale on Craigslist.
As officers prepared to take Carmichael resident Walter Diaz, 21, and a 17-year-old boy into custody, the two fled. Following a pursuit through the park, both were arrested on suspicion of possessing stolen property after a laptop computer was found to have been stolen from Folsom the day before. A second laptop in Diaz's possession proved to have been stolen from Rancho Cordova March 13, the news release said.
Diaz was arrested, and the 17-year-old was cited and released to his father.
The Folsom family continued to consult Craigslist and on Sunday they found their $500 cell phone advertised for $350. Today, Folsom investigators arranged to meet the Craigslist seller, and the 17-year-old youth cited Friday showed up with the stolen cell phone. He was arrested along with Christopher Ross, 20, of Carmichael, who is accused of being an accomplice.
The Folsom Police Department reminds buyers to beware. Although many reputable people use Craigslist and other Web-based marketplaces to sell new and used property, officials note that it is also is a convenient way for thieves to unload stolen property on unsuspecting bargain hunters.
People who believe they have located their own stolen property online are advised to contact local authorities and not to attempt to meet potential suspects without the assistance of law enforcement officers.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.
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