Internet isn't always a tool for good

Two victims recently learned meeting someone you've only conversed with online can become a dangerous proposition. They arrived at a pre-arranged location in the 20800 block of Riverterrace Road in the River Road Terrace Apartments just after midnight on Jan. 20, hoping to meet two women they'd been corresponding with online. As the victims drove through the apartment complex, they noticed two females standing on a sidewalk at the appropriate location. They stopped their car, and as the passenger got out of the car, several suspects ran toward the vehicle, firing a gun.

The passenger got back into the vehicle, and the victims drove away.

Anyone with information about this crime should call police at 748-1251 or Crime solvers at 748-0660, or text the code tip699 with the tip and send to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also visit www.crimesolvers.net to report information anonymously online.

In other crimes:

Allendale Drive. At about 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 17, a suspect pulled a handgun on some residents of Newberry Apartments as they were unloading the trunk of their car and demanded their purses. The victims turned over their property as a second suspect approached, but didn't participate. Once they had the purses, both suspects fled on foot.

Buford Road. Just after midnight on Jan. 18, a masked suspect entered the Pizza Hut store in the 2700 block and demanded money from the safe and the cash drawer. The clerk placed the money into a bag the robber brought with him, and the suspect ordered the clerk to lie on the floor. The masked man fled with the cash.

Dove Path Lane. Between 9 p.m. on Jan. 11 and 11 a.m. on Jan. 17, someone entered the open garage of a residence in the 700 block and stole money and guns from inside the unlocked vehicle parked there.

Fox Drive. Between 7:30 a.m. and 2:25 p.m. on Jan. 20, someone broke into a home in the 14800 block, ransacked several rooms inside the house and stole guns, jewelry, electronics and other property.

Lansgate Road. Between 10 p.m. on Jan. 16 and 9 a.m. on Jan. 17, someone went into the attached garage of a residence in the 6000 block and stole alcohol. No signs of force were found.

Marina Drive. At about 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 16, the victim had just arrived at the front door of his residence at the Falling Creek Apartments when he was approached by a masked suspect who demanded his wallet. The victim pounded on his front door, yelling for help. As the door opened, the suspect struck the man with the butt of his gun, then fled on foot.

N. Stevens Hollow Road. Between 6:15 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. on Jan. 14, someone kicked open the rear door of a residence in the 6500 block, rifled through drawers and stole guns.

Old Creek Road. At about 8:15 p.m. on Jan 20, someone was seen inside a vehicle parked at a residence in the 3500 block, and then was seen fleeing the area with a stereo. He dropped the stereo as he was running away.

Polk Street. Between 4:15 p.m. on Jan. 12 and 10:15 a.m. on Jan. 13, someone stole tools from a trailer at Bon Air Elementary School.

Preakness Court. Between 6 p.m. on Jan. 13 and 5 p.m. on Jan. 14, someone entered the crawlspace of a residence in the 8100 block, then cut a hole in the drywall, got into the house and stole money, electronics and other property.

Sandwave Road. Between 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 and 7 a.m. on Jan. 20, someone stole the tires, rims and other property from a vehicle parked beside a residence in the 15900 block.

Stanley Drive. Between 10 p.m. on Jan. 10 and 1 p.m. on Jan. 11, someone stole the stereo faceplate from an unlocked vehicle parked in the 4400 block.