INDIANAPOLIS— They start off as simple transactions: You see something online, make an offer, agree and then meet up.
But online sale transactions sometimes end in robbery, or worse.
In 2013, Sgt. First Class Jim Vester drove to an apartment complex on the west side of Indianapolis to buy an iPad he spotted on Craigslist. When he arrived, he was shot and killed. Brothers Tryon and Tyshaune Kincade were later arrested and convicted of Vester’s murder.
On Monday, detectives were trying to determine who shot and killed Tykece Mike-Jones on Friday night.
According to police, the 25-year-old met up with a couple of people to sell an iPhone 7. At some point, the deal went south, after the buyers turned into takers, who snatched the phone and fatally shot Mike-Jones as he tried to get it back.
The shooting happened at the Hampton Court Apartments near Ditch Road.
As IMPD investigates the details of the case, officers are reminding the public about “E-Commerce Exchange Zones” at each district headquarters. Those zones are where the public can make private transactions in the department’s parking lot.
The areas typically include 24-hour video surveillance, with officers consistently coming in and out of the building. Those lots are also well lit.
IMPD Sgt. Jim Gillespie added that a couple of things happen when people use the E-Commerce Exchange Zones: “If it is something criminal, they are not going to meet you at a police station. If not, it will make them feel safer.”
In December, IMPD established e-commerce exchange zones at police headquarters across the city:
North District Headquarters – 3120 E. 30th St.
Lobby Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Closed Holidays)
Reserved Parking Available 24 Hours in the north parking lot
East District Headquarters – 201 N. Shadeland Ave.
Reserved Parking Available 24 Hours outside Door #1
Southeast District Headquarters – 1150 S. Shelby St.
Lobby Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5p.m. (Closed Holidays)
*Parking is limited due to construction in the area.*
Southwest District Headquarters – 551 N. King St.
Lobby Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Closed Holidays)
Reserved Parking Available 24 Hours
Northwest District Headquarters – 3821 Industrial Blvd
Lobby Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Closed Holidays)
*Parking is limited. Do not park on the main drive on the north side of the building. *
Downtown District Headquarters – 39 W. Jackson Place Suite 500
Lobby Open Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Closed Holidays)
*Parking is limited to metered parking spots near the building. *
(PHOTO: WISH-TV)
