MONROE, N.C. — Two Facebook Marketplace sellers believed their lives were in danger when their would-be customer in Monroe turned out to be a criminal.
Channel 9 Crime Reporter Hunter Sáenz learned that one teenager was arrested for allegedly robbing two people off E. Sunset Drive earlier this month. Now, Monroe police are warning those who meet up to sell or buy things off Facebook Marketplace.
One of the victims spoke with Sáenz over the phone and said he met up with the teenager, trying to sell him a $1,200 pair of Balenciaga shoes.
“He contacted me through Facebook and asked me if I could come to Monroe, so I went in that direction and that’s where he attacked me,” said Henry Carranza-Morales.
“He said if I wanted it back, I’d have to pay with blood.”
A week earlier, police said another victim was robbed by the same teen at gunpoint. The victim in that robbery told Channel 9 that the suspect insisted on meeting on Sunset Drive to buy his iPhone, but the suspect stole it and ran.
Monroe police say if you’re selling or buying something online through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, you should meet in a safe, public place like your local police department parking lot. Never have people come to your house; take a friend with you if you can; and always be cautious of someone who urges to meet at a specific location.
The victims in these latest cases told Sáenz they’re just happy an arrest was made before somebody got hurt.
Because of the suspect’s age, Monroe police couldn’t identify him, but they told Channe 9 he will face charges for the robberies.
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