Lafayette, LA – A Crowley man was injured during a botched transaction on Facebook Marketplace that escalated into a violent confrontation on December 10. Edward Mott Jr., 44, was shot in the leg after a suspected robbery attempt turned into a struggle with a potential buyer. Mott is now wanted on charges of attempted armed robbery and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the Crowley Police Department, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. on the 1300 block of West Ninth Street, after Mott met with an out-of-town individual to sell a truck listed on Facebook Marketplace. The buyer, who had come to Crowley for the meeting, grew suspicious during the transaction and attempted to leave the scene.
As the buyer attempted to walk away, Mott allegedly pulled out a firearm and demanded the money the buyer had brought with them. A physical altercation ensued, during which the buyer was able to disarm Mott, resulting in Mott being shot in the leg with his own weapon.
Mott was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries. He is now facing serious criminal charges, including attempted armed robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the Crowley Police Department at 337-783-1234.
Crowley Police Chief, Jimmy M. Fontenot, issued a statement reminding the public of the importance of safety when conducting transactions through online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace. “While online marketplaces are a convenient way to buy and sell goods, they can also be dangerous. We urge residents to take proper precautions to avoid becoming victims of theft or violence,” he said.
The police department offers the following safety tips for those using online platforms:
- Gather Information: Ensure you know as much as possible about the person you are meeting before finalizing the transaction.
- Choose a Safe Location: Always meet in a public, well-lit area with active security cameras. Avoid secluded or private locations.
- Never Meet Alone: Whenever possible, bring a friend, family member, or contact law enforcement to accompany you during the exchange.
- Request Police Assistance: Crowley Police Department, as well as other law enforcement agencies, offer the option to have an officer present during a transaction for added safety.
As this case unfolds, the Crowley Police Department continues to investigate the incident and is working to locate Mott. Authorities encourage anyone with information to come forward.
For more updates, residents are encouraged to stay connected with local news outlets and the Crowley Police Department.