PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A Pawtucket man told police that he was robbed and shot by a stranger who'd offered to sell him an iPad late Tuesday night.
Olutope Shekoni, 28, told police that a friend arranged the sale with 25-year-old John Perkins. After Perkins and his friend picked him up in Providence, Shekoni told police that he placed $340 on the console and asked for the iPad.
Shekoni said Perkins told him the iPad was in the back seat with him. It wasn't. Perkins then told him it was in the trunk, so they got out to check.
Then, Perkins got back in the car and tried to drive off, said Maj. David Lapatin.
Shekoni wasn't going to let him get away. He jumped into the back seat, grabbed Perkins around the neck, and demanded his money back, Lapatin said. Perkins drove off the road, flattening two tires, Lapatin said.
As Shekoni tried to stop the car, Perkins drew a handgun and shot him in the arm, Lapatin said.
Shekoni was wounded, but didn't give up. They fought: Perkins yelling at Shekoni to get out of his car, and Shekoni demanding his money back, according to police. Perkins convinced Shekoni that his money was in the trunk. Shekoni got out -- and jumped in the trunk as Perkins started to drive away, according to the police.
Shekoni screamed for help as Perkins stopped the car at George and Thayer streets and fled. That's where police from Brown University and Providence found him just before 10:30 p.m. -- and eventually Perkins, who at first tried to convince police that he was the victim, Lapatin said.
Shekoni was treated at Rhode Island Hospital and released. Perkins, of 92 Weeden Ave., East Providence, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, armed while committing a violent crime, and possession of a pistol without a license.
Police didn't find the handgun. Nor the iPad.