DALLAS -- Family members say Daniel Ruiz was shot and killed while trying to sell a cell phone to a potential buyer who contacted through an online buy/sell app.
Dallas police say Ruiz, 20, was shot after a suspect or suspects robbed him at gunpoint late Tuesday in the 7900 block of Chariot Drive, across from Skyline High School.
Ruiz died at Baylor Medical Center.
Oscar Ruiz told News 8 on Wednesday that his youngest son had used the "Offer Up" app for some time to sell a variety of items.
"It took my son's life away because of this app," Ruiz said through tears.
The app one of many apps that allow you to buy and sell items and then meet up to make the exchange. But police say the meet up spot can make you a target for crime.
Many North Texas departments, including where Ruiz lives in Mesquite, have set up “exchange zones” within the last year.
The zones are outfitted with designated signs, and sometimes cameras. It's designed to provide a potentially less-dangerous spot to exchange online goods, but there are no guarantees.
And app makers know customers are weary.
When you download Offer Up, it's touted as “a simple and safer way to buy and sell locally.” The app doesn't explain how it's safer.
“We are devastated by this tragedy," Offer Up said in a statement to News 8. "We are doing everything we can to assist the Dallas Police Department in its investigation.”
Ruiz says his son was not at an exchange zone when he was killed, but he was on a busy, well-lit Dallas street with a police camera overhead, across from a school.
“There was a lot of people there, so I figure he thought he was safe there," Ruiz said.
On Tuesday police released an image of the vehicle suspected in the murder.
If you have any information on this case, you are asked to call police at (214) 671-3661 or (214) 671-3690. Anonymous tips can be left with Crime Stoppers by calling (214) 373-TIPS (8477).