An Athens couple were the victims of an attempted armed robbery Sunday in what police describe as a Craigslist sale gone wrong.

Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson said the couple advertised a diamond ring on the internet classified site. A Huntsville man expressed interest in the ring, and the victims sent a copy of the appraisal to the man. That appraisal also had the victims’ home address on it.

Shortly after 11 a.m., a black male knocked on the victims’ door and asked for directions. He then asked to use the phone, but the victims told him “no.” The man then asked for a pen and a piece of paper, but the victims told him they could not help him.

The suspect then pulled a pistol from his front pocket and told the couple to give him the ring. They attempted to shut and lock the door, but the man fired one shot at them before they could get the door closed. Johnson said two more shots were fired in the area of the front door, though no one was hit. The suspect then left on foot.

The victims called police and Officer Joe Kimery responded. While he was in the front yard talking to the victims, the suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Xavier Tavaris Young of 606 NE Access Road, Huntsville, drove by the residence. Kimery advised other patrol units in the area. Young’s vehicle was spotted less than a block away.

Officer Bobby Hand attempted to stop Young, but Johnson said he would not stop and a pursuit began. It spanned from Cloverleaf Drive to U.S. 72 east in front of SportsMED, where Young lost control of his vehicle. Young left the road and struck a utility pole. Johnson said Young then ran from the scene.

Hand apprehended him a short time later on Nichols Drive.

The crash on U.S. 72 led to a brief power outage as Athens Utilities repaired the pole.

Young was subsequently charged with first-degree robbery, shooting into an occupied dwelling and attempting to elude a police officer. After being booked at the police department, he was taken to the Limestone County Jail. He remained there Monday on $11,000 bond.

The victims told Investigator Mickey Hart they had made arrangements to sell the ring Saturday at a public place, but the person who was interested in the ring never showed up. Johnson said it is not known if Young was the person the victims were supposed to meet Saturday morning.

“It is my advice to anyone using the internet to buy, sell or trade items to meet in public or at a law enforcement department,” Johnson said, adding the incident is still under investigation.