NORWOOD - When Carl Lindner heard that the city of Norwood lacked the funds to purchase new police radios, he felt it was time the private sector raised the stakes.

After researching the needs of officers on the street, Lindner used his vast web of contacts to identify several models that met Norwood requirements.

EBay seller auntie_q offered a sweet G.I. Joe model featuring a telescopic antenna and "push and hold" talk button.

Lindner knew he needed to act quickly because only 28 minutes remained and the model came "with original box."

Rabid_dogg opened the bidding at $8. Lindner countered with $18. Out of nowhere, original_joe placed a bid of $42 and outbid Lindner early. But when original_joe dropped out at $92.80, Lindner clinched the auction under the udf_mine alias with a bid of $300,000.

Lindner said that the police chief should receive the radios in 5-8 days through U.S. Priority Mail. "If you want additional insurance," Lindner added, "please let me know so I can put more money in my PayPal account."

"Thank you!" said Norwood Mayor Tom Williams. "Very nice and well thought out too! AAAA++++++!!!"