2 Arrested In iPhone Robbery Scheme In Bridgeport: Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Two juveniles were arrested by Bridgeport police Wednesday in connection with a February robbery that originated over social media app Snapchat, according to authorities.

The case began on Feb. 23, when the juvenile victim contacted two other juveniles, who had posted on Snapchat about selling an Apple iPhone.

"An agreement was made to purchase the i-phone in the amount of $200 at the intersection of Washington Avenue & Laurel Avenue near the Walgreens pharmacy store in Bridgeport," wrote Bridgeport Police Capt. Kevin Gilleran and Sgt. Pasquale Feola in a statement.

The victim rode on his bicycle to the prearranged location to complete the transaction.

"Upon arrival, the victim was presented with a phone that was not the one depicted for sale on Snapchat," police said. "After the victim became suspicious, one of the suspects pressed a hard object against the victim’s side and threatened to kill him & strip him naked if he did not comply with their instructions. The victim was forced to walk to a less populated area on Laurel Avenue. Once on Laurel Avenue, the two juvenile suspects searched the victim’s pockets and took his $200 prior to fleeing the area on foot."

The victim returned home, told his parents about what had happened, and the parents notified high school administrators, according to police.

Bridgeport police determined who the suspects were, and they were found and taken into custody on Wednesday.

Both were charged with first-degree robbery and first-degree threatening.

The two suspects were transported to the Bridgeport Juvenile Detention Center, and were scheduled to appear in juvenile court on Thursday.