Bronx Man Robbed By Craigslist Seller

A 21-year-old Bronx man, who tried to purchase an iPhone 5 on Craigslist when he could not get one in a retail store found himself being robbed at gunpoint in Yonkers by the prospective seller, city police said today.

On Saturday, the day after victim was robbed of $900, a $2,700 computer, two cell phones worth $1,400 and a $280 cell phone, Yonkers Detective William Sullivan arrested the Craiglist robbery suspect.

The suspect was identified as Robert Vilato, 30, of 49 Liecester St. in Port Chester, Det. Lt. Patrick McCormack said.

Vilato was charged with first-degree robbery, a felony.

On Friday night, the victim met Vilato in the Bronx to consumate the iPhone transaction. They drove to a South Broadway diner in Yonkers around 10:00 p.m. so that the victim could pick up the money for the device from a relative, Lt. McCormack said.

The victim returned to the parking lot with the cash and was greated by Vilato, who was now pointing a black handgun at him, McCormack said.

Vilato took the cash, cell phones and computer and drove off in a grey 2004 Lexus.

The victim went to the Third Precinct in Yonkers and reported the robbery at 11:00 p.m..

After some investigating, Detective Sullivan identified Vilato as the robber. He was arrested Saturday by Sullivan, McCormack said.

Detectives did not find the handgun.