Police: Man trying to sell cellphone nearly robbed in New London

New London — A man attempting to sell his cellphone to a woman who saw his internet posting had to pull his gun on two men who tried to rob him at the arranged sale location, police said.

Police said the victim was near the intersection of Boulder Drive and Jefferson Avenue when two young males tried to rob him at gunpoint about 6:53 p.m.

The victim pulled his own gun and fired two rounds, police said. Police said the would-be robbers ran off.

No one has reported injuries related to the incident.

Police said the victim drove to police headquarters and reported the incident, at which point officers canvassed the area for evidence.

In a news release, police reminded the public that their 5 Governor Winthrop Blvd. headquarters can be used as a safe exchange place for those who agree to transactions online.

Police ask those who aren’t comfortable going to headquarters to:

Insist on a public meeting place, not a secluded place, and do not invite strangers into your home.

Be especially careful when buying/selling high-value items.

Tell a friend or family member where you’re going.

Take your cellphone along if you have one.

Consider having a friend accompany you.

Trust your instincts. “Personal safety is more important than getting a great deal, especially when the deal may turn out to be a ruse to isolate someone in order to rob them,” police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (860) 4475269, ext. 0, or text “NLPDTip” plus the information to 847411.