Stratford Police say recent robbery arrests show the dangers of buying and selling goods privately after posting them online.
Ansonia’s Shahiem Donald, 18, faces first-degree burglary, third-degree assault and fifth-degree larceny charges in connection with the April 23 robbery, police said Wednesday. rice field.
The victim posted a Facebook marketplace ad to sell an iPhone and met Donald at a pre-determined location. There, police said Donald assaulted the victim and stole the phone. Police said the victim said he saw a handgun during the robbery.
Stratford detectives worked with Bridgeport police to identify Donald as a suspect, and later discovered that he and co-conspirators were contacting people throughout Fairfield County to buy and sell iPhones and other items. Donald and his crew used force to steal phones and other valuables, police said.
Police across the state are warning people buying and selling goods in private transactions to meet in safe places, such as police station parking lots.
Police say the investigation into Donald and his co-conspirators is ongoing and anyone with information has been asked to contact Detz. Torres or Policano (203-381-2098).
Jesse Leavenworth can be reached at jleavenworth@courant.com.
