NEDERLAND, Texas — Deputies in Jefferson County want to remind folks about safe practices when buying or selling items online.
Two men were shot and one died Tuesday night after what looked to be a transaction, quickly turned into gunfire.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office tells 12News a man was speaking with one of the suspects, using social media, to purchase a motorcycle.
When the two men arrived at a house, located along the 1500 block of Lamar Avenue in Nederland, they were wearing masks and pulled out guns.
During the exchange of gunshots, the man who lives at the home also pulled out a gun and shot one of the suspects.
He was found dead in a nearby backyard after running away.
The man who was living at the home was also shot, but is expected to recover from his injuries.
The other suspect is still on the run as deputies say he left in a getaway vehicle around 10:20 p.m.
Crystal Holmes, a public information officer for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, is seeking help from the community.
"We're asking for all of the neighbors to check their cameras when they get home," said Holmes. "See if they had any suspicious vehicles circling the neighborhood multiple times, somewhere between 10:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m."
It's not uncommon for people to use the internet and social media to exchange items.
Robert Holmes, who lives across the street from where the shooting took place, can't believe this type of event happened.
"I feel bad for our neighbors, I really do, " said Robert Holmes. "It's just a sad ordeal and it's a shock for the neighborhood right now, you just don't see this at all."
12News asked Crystal Holmes on Wednesday what consumers can do to help protect themselves, when meeting an unknown buyer or seller.
"Do meet in a very public place and if it's at nighttime, you want a well-lit open business with a lot of foot traffic going by and something that has cameras," said Crystal Holmes. "We always want to safeguard ourselves."
Robert Holmes tells 12News he's met up with people in person before, to sell items.
He agrees that people need to do their homework before meeting up with a stranger.
"You want to make sure you get all the information you need from that other person before you make that judgment call and have them come to your household or your property," said Robert Holmes.
Paying attention to how people conduct themselves online is another factor Crystal Holmes says to keep an eye on.
"People can be very convincing, that 'I can bring it to you now,'" said Crystal Holmes. "So, just be wary of their tactics and make sure you watch out for their best interest."
Robert Holmes says this shooting doesn't strike confidence in anyone looking to exchange items in person.
"Honestly now, it's scary to even go buy anything online now or sell," said Robert Holmes.