Savannah Police urge “safe exchange” meetups after string of Facebook Marketplace robberies

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah police say a 21-year-old man is linked to at least four robberies tied to Facebook Marketplace meetups, and they are urging residents to use police precinct parking lots as “safe exchange zones” for online sales.

Police reports allege Demauri Beard has repeatedly robbed victims at gunpoint during meetups coordinated through Facebook, and that despite multiple arrests, he bonded out of jail several times.

According to Savannah police reports, the alleged pattern began in 2023, when investigators say Beard and another suspect robbed a man at gunpoint during a meetup and also stole the victim’s car.

After serving about a year and a half in jail, police say Beard was released on felony probation.

About four months later, investigators say he used a fake Cash App payment to take shoes from a woman, which led to another arrest.

Police say Beard bonded out again, but investigators allege he struck two more times early this year.

In January, police say Beard met a man at the Parker’s on DeRenne Avenue to buy an iPhone. Investigators say Beard showed a fake payment while a gun was visible in his lap. The victim later jumped out of the car and called 911.

Beard was arrested, bonded out again, and was placed on an ankle monitor, according to police.

Two weeks later, in late February, investigators say another robbery at Oglethorpe Mall was linked to the same Facebook account associated with Beard. He was arrested again on multiple charges, including firearm and drug offenses.

Police records show Beard remains in jail.

Savannah police are encouraging anyone meeting up for an online purchase or sale to do so in the parking lots of any Savannah Police Department precinct during regular business hours.

“Make sure to pick a safe place like one of our precinct parking lots,” said Sgt. Joshua Flynn with the Savannah Police Department. “Savannah Police Department offers all of our locations for you to [do so] during regular business hours. The safest way to conduct these transactions are through electronic payment methods.”

Police say if someone refuses to meet at a precinct, that could be a red flag.

Residents are also urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to police.