OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma City teenager is behind bars following a series of robberies.
The victims all tried to sell their iPhones on Craigslist.
In nearly all the cases, the suspect arranged to meet the victims and buy their iPhones in the same parking lot along 63rd street.
Police say the series of thefts serve as an important warning for people everywhere
“I put my phone on Craigslist so people started calling me and texting me,” said victim Prince Taylor.
After getting a call from one supposed buyer, Prince agreed to a meeting.,but when he showed up he immediately began to get bad vibes from the buyer.
“I felt he was suspicious because his hands were shaking,” said Taylor.
Seconds later Prince says 19-year-old Gerrell Murry tried to steal his phone and run.
“He tried to snatch it and when he tried to snatch it, I was about to hit him or something,” said Taylor.
The suspect took off running without Prince’s phone, but several others weren’t so lucky.
Police say the same suspect stole phones from as many as four unsuspecting sellers
“He was there do it, to steal people’s phones. It was a business for him,” said Taylor.
The crime spree came to an end when one of the victims noticed his stolen phone posted on Craigslist.
He set up a meeting with the suspect and called police who arrested Murry on the scene.
Police always advise caution whenever anyone meets to sell items found on Craigslist.
“Any time you meet a stranger and exchange an item of value this could happen,” said Oklahoma City police MSgt. Gary Knight.
“You just have to be aware and be careful,” said Taylor. “You think you can trust someone and next thing you know they’re trying to rob you.”
The suspect is facing several charges of robbery
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