2 Accused Of Armed Robbery In Shelton Over Air Jordans Dispute: PD

SHELTON, CT — Two Bridgeport residents were arrested on robbery charges Thursday, after Shelton police said the pair robbed a victim at gunpoint following a disagreement over Air Jordan sneakers the suspects were selling through Facebook Marketplace.

Wazim Ali Hariprashad, 19, and Caroline Gabriela Ruiz-Robinson, 18, were both charged with first-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery; Hariprashad was also charged with theft of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a permit.

According to Shelton police, the department received a 911 call at about 9:45 p.m. that a Perry Hill Road resident had been robbed at gunpoint.

"The victim stated that she met the male and female suspects on Facebook Marketplace and had agreed to purchase Air Jordan sneakers from them," wrote Shelton Police Det. Chris Nugent in a statement on Facebook.

The suspects had arrived at the home in a silver SUV, and a disagreement arose over the cost of the shoes. When the victim tried to get her money back from the woman in the passenger seat (later identified as Ruiz-Robinson), the driver (later identified as Hariprashad) "allegedly brandished a handgun and pointed it at her."

Police said the two drove off, but the victim was able to see that the SUV had a paper license plate displayed in the back.

A short while later, a Shelton police officer spotted the vehicle, and pulled it over on Route 8 northbound.

"During the stop, a loaded stolen firearm and items related to the Facebook Marketplace sale were found inside the vehicle," Nugent said. The two were taken into custody and charged.

Hariprashad was held in lieu of bail of $100,000, and was scheduled to be arraigned in Derby Superior Court on Friday.

Ruiz-Robinson was released after posting bond on bail of $50,000, and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 16.