Teen Who Tried To Purchase Clothes Through Snapchat Charged With Robbery: Norwalk Police

NORWALK, CT — A 16-year-old accused of displaying a handgun while trying to pick up clothes purchased from another teen over Snapchat in Norwalk was arrested Saturday afternoon, according to the Norwalk Police Department.

In a news release, Police Lt. Tomasz Podgorski said a robbery was reported around 12:30 p.m. in the area of Winfield Street.

According to Podgorski, the caller reported a person had used force and displayed a handgun during a scheduled meeting to sell clothing.

When officers arrived in the area, an investigation revealed two juveniles had arranged the sale of the clothing through Snapchat, Podgorski said.

When the meeting took place, the 16-year-old tried to pay with counterfeit currency, which led to an altercation, during which the 16-year-old displayed a black handgun and fled the area with a pair of jeans belonging to the other juvenile, according to Podgorski.

Officers later found the 16-year-old wearing the stolen jeans at his home, Podgorski said.

Police also found a 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P handgun and a magazine during a search of the home, according to Podgorski.

The teen was charged with first-degree robbery, carrying a pistol without a permit, risk of injury, negligent storage of a firearm and sixth-degree larceny.

"The Norwalk Police Department reminds residents to use caution when buying and selling items through online marketplaces or social media platforms," Podgorski said in a news release. "The Norwalk Police Department offers an E-Commerce Safe Zone for online transactions, located at Police Headquarters, 1 Monroe Street, Norwalk. This designated area provides a safer location for residents to complete transactions and helps reduce the risk of theft or violence."