The robberies stemmed from ads/listings posted on the internet site, Craigslist. Investigators stated that the man has posed as both a "seller" and as a "buyer" with the result being an arrangement to meet with the unsuspecting victims and either rob them of their cash or the item(s) they brought to sell.
One of the robberies took place at a vacant home located on the 3800 block of W. Rochelle Rd. The suspect would post ads offering iphones at reduced prices.
In two of the robberies the suspect displayed a handgun and in one of the robberies he used physical force and beat the victim to accomplish the robbery.
Through detailed investigative work, and the cooperation of Craigslist, an Irving Police Special Operations undercover investigator made contact with the suspect and arranged a meeting to buy some items the suspect purportedly had for sale.
Irving Chief of Police, Larry Boyd stated; "These robberies involved significant violence against unsuspecting victims that was particularly concerning". Continuing he stated that "at the time of the suspect's arrest he was posing as a "seller" and was armed with a handgun, we should all be thankful that this dangerous individual is now off our streets and in police custody".
Investigators will be working with area departments to determine if this suspect is responsible for similar offenses in the area.
Currently he is only being identified as a black, male, 20 year-old of Irving, pending booking and arraignment on charge(s) of Aggravated Robbery.
