Man Robbed Victim Of Cell Phone During Transaction: Stratford Police

STRATFORD, CT — An Ansonia man is accused of robbing a person of their cell phone at gunpoint during a transaction that had been arranged online last month in Stratford, according to police.

Police determined the victim placed an online Facebook Market Place advertisement to sell an iPhone, according to Capt. Frank Eannotti. The suspect and victim met at a prearranged location on April 23 when the suspect assaulted the victim and stole his iPhone, Eannotti said.

Shahiem Donald, 18, was identified as the main suspect by Stratford detectives with the assistance of the Bridgeport Police Department Task Force, according to Eannotti.

“It was later determined Donald and his co-conspirators would contact various victims throughout Fairfield County online to arrange to either buy or sell iPhones and other items,” Eannotti wrote in a news release. “Once the suspects met with the victims, Donald and his gang would use force steal cellular phones and other valuables.”

Donald was arrested May 4 and charged with first-degree robbery, third-degree assault and fifth-degree larceny. He was held in lieu of a $150,000 bond.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Torres or Detective Policano at 203-381-2098.

“The Stratford Police Department warns all to use caution when selling or buying items posted privately online,” Eannotti wrote.

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