Police Arrest Robbers Targeting OfferUp App Users; Company Responds

Updated at 5:20 p.m.

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CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD — Popular online apps to sell items are being used by criminals to stalk unsuspecting victims and rob them, local authorities say.

The Prince George’s County Police Department recently conducted a sting operation that led to the arrest of two men who allegedly targeted their victims through the OfferUp app. Detectives have investigated seven similar cases in recent months.

The suspects arrested Feb. 16 are Tyrone Strickland Jr., 22, of the 7700 block of Starboard Drive in Capitol Heights and Andre Speller, 36, of the 5300 block of Doppler Street in Capitol Heights.

Police set up Strickland and Speller after two teenage victims from Anne Arundel County were robbed of cash Feb. 6 when they connected with a seller on OfferUp. The victims drove to Abel Avenue to purchase a dirt bike. When they arrived, the two suspects allegedly pulled out guns and robbed the victims.

During the sting operation, detectives arranged to buy another dirt bike posted by the suspects. When the men arrived at the transaction site on Abel Avenue, they were arrested. One of the suspects was carrying a handgun with an extended magazine.

Police say criminals are misusing the popular classified ad app to lure victims into potentially dangerous situations.

An OfferUp spokesperson told Patch, “We applaud the Prince George’s County Police Department for this effort and have been honored to work closely with them on investigations. OfferUp does not tolerate criminal activity and we offer best practices on our website for safe exchanges.”

The online retailer’s website offers best practices to safely transact purchases.

Police offer these safety tips for anyone who uses online sales:

• Never go alone to the transaction location. Always try to bring someone with you.
• It’s best to talk to potential seller or buyer on the phone. Do not communicate only through an app or online.
• Only meet a potential buyer or seller in a public place - like a shopping center.
• Trust your instincts. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Unless the item is too large to bring out of your home, never invite a buyer to your home.

Anyone with information on any of these cases is asked to call police at (301) 772-4911.

Callers can remain anonymous by calling CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also text “PGPD plus your tips” to CRIMES (274537) on your cell phone or gowww.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online. Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $25,000 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment.

»Photos of Tyrone Strickland Jr., left, and Andre Speller, courtesy of Prince George’s County Police