Teen, 17, Charged In Armed Robberies During ‘Car Sale’ Transactions: Hamden PD

HAMDEN, CT — A 17-year-old Hamden resident has been arrested in connection with two armed robberies during “car sale” transactions that were arranged through social media in December, according to police.

The arrest is the result of a lengthy investigation into the two robberies that happened Dec. 22 and Dec. 24, 2022, in Hamden, according to Acting Hamden Police Chief Timothy F. Wydra.

The first robbery happened around 9:45 p.m. on Dec. 22 on Quentin Street. The victim said that he had been in contact with a man on Facebook Marketplace, and arranged to purchase a vehicle from him, according to police.

When the victim met at the specified location, he was approached by two men wearing ski masks and carrying handguns, police said.

The suspects took the victim’s cash and a backpack containing personal documents, according to police. No one was injured during the incident, police said.

The second robbery happened around 1:05 p.m. on Dec. 24. on Moulton Street. The victim said that he had been in contact with a man on Facebook Marketplace and arranged to buy a vehicle from him.

When the victim met at the specified location, he was approached by two men wearing masks, with one carrying a handgun. The suspects took the victim’s cash, wallet, and cell phone, according to police. No one was injured during the incident, police said.

The 17-year-old was arrested June 5 on two counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery. He was taken to Bridgeport Juvenile Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in Juvenile Court, according to Wydra.

Wydra said the arrest was the result of Detective Shawn Nutcher’s “exceptional and diligent investigative work.”

“I would like to commend him and the other detectives who worked on these investigations,” Wydra said.

Wydra also shared the following reminders:

The Hamden Police Department would like to remind the community of some very important crime prevention safety tips regarding these types of transactions:

• Understand that some seller profiles or listings on social media may be fraudulent
• Meet in a public place, preferably well-lit and with security cameras
• Have someone with you during any sale transactions
• Do not carry large amounts of cash or any other valuables on your person
• If you sense trouble, leave the area as quick as possible.
• If you are robbed, make personal safety your number one priority. Money and property can be replaced. Please contact the Hamden Police Department by dialing 9-1-1 or calling 203-230-4000.