Robbery detectives arrested a 15-year-old boy after he was identified during a months-long investigation into armed Craigslist robberies in the city.
Detectives have linked three armed robbery cases reaching all the way back to December 20, 2015 when the suspect answered an ad on Craigslist looking to purchase some high-end basketball shoes. When the seller arrived in the 6700 block of 28 Ave S. the suspect drew a handgun and took the shoes and other items before running away.
In a second case a shoe seller met with a man in an attempt to sell a pair of $800 sneakers January 20, 2016. The seller agreed to a met up in the 7000 block of 32 Ave S where upon seeing the shoes the suspect grabbed them and ran away. The seller gave chase, but the suspect turned and fired a single shot in the air. The seller stopped following and called 911. Officers searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.
In a third case a man was attempting to sell three pairs of Jordan basketball shoes on Craigslist. The man agreed to meet the suspect in the 7000 block of 32 Ave S. The suspect spoke to the victim for a minute before a second suspect approached carrying an Uzi-type firearm. The two suspects took all three pairs of shoes and ran off.
Detectives found and arrested one of the suspects yesterday afternoon while he attended school. Detectives interviewed the 15-year-old who admitted to “wheeling and dealing”with shoes. Detectives later that day served a search warrant on his home, recovering many items linked to the robberies. Detectives booked the teen into the King County Youth Services Center for investigation of robbery.
Remember that you can always use a precinct lobby when attempting to resell items online.