Ellensburg robbery may have been set up via Craigslist

Ellensburg police are investigating an attempted robbery that may have been set up via Craigslist.

The incident was reported early Saturday at a hotel parking lot near the Interstate 90 interchange on the west end of Ellensburg, according to a news release issued Monday by Ellensburg police.

The prospective buyers of a car listed on Craigslist, who were from Spokane, agreed to meet in the Ellensburg area because the seller was coming from Western Washington, detectives said.

But as the buyers were sitting in the parking lot of the I-90 Inn shortly after midnight Friday, they were approached by two men armed with handguns, police said.

The suspects demanded money from the pair, but the driver hit the gas and left the area. The victims contacted a state trooper to report the incident.

Kittitas County sheriff’s deputies, Ellensburg police, Central Washington University officers and state troopers searched the area but could not locate the suspects.

Police say they suspect that the robbery was set up using the car ad on Craigslist, although that has not been confirmed.

Authorities warn prospective users of Craigslist and similar advertising sources to use caution, including insisting on meeting in well-lit, public place.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident.

The suspects were both described as white men in their early 20s.

One was about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighed about 175. He was clean-shaven and was wearing blue jeans and a blue jacket with a cap.

The other was about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and about 175 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans and a dark hooded sweatshirt and had a cloth covering his face.

Anyone with information about the case may call 925-8534.