The Mt. Vernon Police Department has arrested a 17-year-old juvenile in connection with two armed robberies of persons wanting to finalize a purchase, sale, or trade of merchandise on Facebook Messenger.
The two alleged victims had arrived at a residence in the area of 1009 Welkins Street expecting to make a transaction but were instead robbed at gunpoint. The incidents occurred on June 30th and July 2nd.
During the investigation, Mt. Vernon detectives were able to acquire contact information from the ‘seller’ from the two prior armed robberies and set up another transaction with him. While conducting surveillance in the area of the home Thursday night, they observed a 17-year-old male arrived at the residence to conduct the pre-arranged transaction. As detectives attempted to make contact with the 17-year-old, he allegedly began to flee on foot. He was taken into custody following a short foot pursuit.
Police say when searching the 17-year-old, they allegedly located a loaded Glock 27 handgun and items previously reported stolen during one of the previous armed robberies. Detectives also received permission to search the residence of the 17-year-old and allegedly located additional property stolen from the previous armed robberies.
The 17-year-old was processed at the Mt Vernon Police Department on charges of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Possession of Stolen Property, and Resisting Arrest. Charges related to the armed robberies are still under investigation.
