A Facebook Marketplace meetup for a $1,200 luxury watch in northwest Atlanta turned violent Wednesday night when Navy veteran Zariyona Rowe was shot during the sale, then drove to a nearby gas station to get help. Rowe says the buyer pulled a gun after asking to test the watch, and the encounter spiraled almost immediately. Atlanta police say she crashed into three parked cars while trying to escape, and that she was taken to the hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Detectives are investigating and have not announced any arrests.
Victim’s Account Of The Shooting
Rowe told FOX 5 Atlanta the buyer showed up wearing a mask and asked to test the luxury watch with a diamond tester before pulling a gun and demanding the timepiece. She said the watch was worth about $1,200 and that the man threatened to kill her if she did not hand it over. Rowe says she reached for her own firearm, and the moment the suspect saw her move, he fired. She described a fracture to her jaw and said the bullet passed through her nasal cavity. Friends and relatives have launched an online fundraiser to help with her mounting medical bills, she told the station.
Police Response And Crime Scene Details
According to the Atlanta Police Department, officers were called Wednesday to a report of a person shot near 902 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW. Investigators believe the injury may have occurred during an attempted robbery in the 500 block of Lindsay Street NW. The department’s Aggravated Assault Unit responded to the scene, and Rowe was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Police say no suspect has been identified and are urging anyone with information to contact investigators.
Chaotic Escape, Crash And Ongoing Probe
Rowe sped off after being shot and struck three parked vehicles while trying to get away, causing significant damage to two of them before she reached a gas station and flagged down help, according to CBS Atlanta. That outlet reports she underwent surgery and remains in recovery while friends and family work to raise money for her treatment. Police continue to canvass the neighborhood and review nearby surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the masked buyer.
Marketplace Safety Tips After The Shooting
Rowe says she usually meets buyers at police stations, Walmart or other busy, well-lit public spots, advice she repeated after the shooting because she wants other Marketplace users to be more cautious, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. The Atlanta Police Department similarly urges people arranging in-person transactions to use public exchange locations when possible and to report suspicious behavior immediately. Officers also recommend that sellers bring a friend along, double-check a buyer’s online profile before meeting and avoid late-night meetups if they can.
