Lancaster teen sentenced to state prison for armed robbery of 11-year-old — File Photo: Handcuffs © Big Stock Images.

LANCASTER, Pa. — A Lancaster teenager has been sentenced to two-and-a-half to six years in state prison after pleading guilty to attempting to rob an 11-year-old at gunpoint in February 2024.

Jadriel Perez-Quinones, 17, of the 800 block of South Duke Street, was sentenced by Judge Merrill Spahn on January 27 after admitting to charges of robbery, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of a firearm by a minor.

Prosecutors said Perez-Quinones had arranged to sell an iPhone to the victim through social media and agreed to meet outside a Turkey Hill store in the 400 block of South Duke Street around 10:45 p.m. on February 16, 2024. When the victim arrived, Perez-Quinones unzipped his jacket, revealed a handgun, pointed it at the victim, and demanded money. The victim refused to comply, and Perez-Quinones fled the scene.

Surveillance footage from the Lancaster Safety Coalition captured Perez-Quinones approaching the meeting location from his apartment complex, as well as the attempted robbery and his escape through a nearby playground. He was later identified and arrested.

During sentencing, Perez-Quinones’ attorney said the teenager struggles with “poor decision-making when he’s bored” but expressed hope that he would obtain a GED while incarcerated and reintegrate into society as a productive member upon release.

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