Teen arrested after armed robbery during social media watch sale in Southeast DC
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A 15-year-old male is facing multiple felony charges after police say he pulled a gun on a man during a planned watch sale set up through a social media platform, then fled into a Southeast DC residence where two firearms were later recovered.
The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, in the 3200 block of Henson Road, Southeast. According to investigators, the suspects arranged to meet the victim to purchase a watch that had been advertised online. During the meeting, the suspects brandished handguns and robbed the victim of the watch and other personal items before fleeing the scene.
Surveillance footage helped officers track the suspects to a nearby residence in the 1400 block of Shippen Lane, Southeast. Officers secured the area and, later that night at approximately 10:57 p.m., executed a search warrant on the home. A 15-year-old male was arrested, and two firearms were recovered from inside the residence.
The juvenile has been charged with armed robbery, possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and receiving stolen property.
The Metropolitan Police Department is reminding residents to use Safe Exchange Zones when conducting in-person transactions arranged through online marketplaces. These designated locations at every MPD district station are monitored and intended to reduce the risk of pre-planned robberies.
––
Key Points
- A 15-year-old was arrested in Southeast DC for an armed robbery involving a social media-arranged watch sale
- The suspect was tracked to a residence on Shippen Lane, where two firearms were recovered
- MPD urges residents to use Safe Exchange Zones when meeting to complete online marketplace deals
