Albany man shot at after foiling online home sale scheme

ALBANY — A man and two teens were arrested Monday after an Albany man accused them of shooting at him when he confronted them over what he said was their attempt to sell property taken from his home online.

Albany Police Department spokeswoman Phyllis Banks said Monday evening that city police had arrested Benjamin Johnson, 22, and two males, ages 14 and 15, in the case. Three handguns — a 9 mm, .40-caliber and .357 Magnum — and a pellet gun were impounded by police.

According to an APD release, Jacovaious Jones said his residence had been burglarized a few days earlier. Jones told police he received notification that his property had been put up for sale online, so he contacted the “sellers,” who told him to meet them at 333 S. Mock Road, Apartment 167.

“Jones said when he confronted the suspects, an altercation occurred,” Banks reported. “After the altercation, Jones stated the suspects fired several shots at him as he was running away.”

Officers were called about 11:20 a.m. and were able to locate the three suspects. The release did not state what charges, if any, had been filed against the three who were arrested.