1 Dead In Craigslist Deal Gone Bad Outside Carrabba’s In Smyrna

SMYRNA, GA -- One person was fatally shot during an attempted robbery outside a popular restaurant near Cumberland Mall, Patch has learned. Two people were involved in a Craigslist deal for some shoes when things went awry. A gunman who fled the scene remains at large, according to Smyrna police.

The shooting occurred Monday outside the Carrabba’s restaurant in the 2900 block of Cumberland Boulevard near the mall in Cobb County, police told local media. A search is underway for the gunman, who fled the scene. SIGN UP: To get notified of more Cobb County news like this, click here to sign up for the Smyrna Patch. Or find your Atlanta-area town here. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

“Preliminary information suggests this was a Craigslist transaction that ended up going wrong,” Smyrna police Sgt. Louis Defense told local media.

There is no known relationship between the two people, police told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

A witness told the AJC that he was inside the restaurant when he saw what he initially thought was a car crash: He saw one victim lying in a ditch and two others in an SUV.

"They were still in shock,” Trevor Jones told the newspaper. “They said they met up to get shoes and I guess they were trying to buy some offline or on Craigslist or something. (A suspect) shot (at) them and ran off with the money.”

The suspect is described as a man who may have twists and is driving a four-door sedan. He fled going south on Cumberland Boulevard, WSB-TV reports.

The shooting happened the same day a man was shot and killed inside a Burger King in Decatur.

Defense said the fact that the shooting happened in broad daylight shows how little regard the gunman has for human life. "Some of these individuals who are up to criminal activity -- they just don't have any fear."

Smyrna police are asking anyone with information to call them at 770-434-6666. Tipsters, who can also remain anonymous, may be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000 by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting crimestoppersatlanta.org.

This is a developing story. Stay with Patch for the latest.

Image via Carrabbas