2 Armed Robberies Follow Sales Organized On Social Media In Anne Arundel County: Police

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Two sets of victims were recently robbed by armed suspects in Anne Arundel County when they tried to sell goods to buyers they met on social media, authorities said.

Police said the robberies happened in Gambrills and Glen Burnie.

Officers also gave some tips on how to stay safe during similar encounters.

Gambrills Robbery

The Gambrills robbery happened Monday around 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Waugh Chapel Towne Centre Starbucks, authorities said. That coffee shop is located at 2389 Brandermill Blvd.

Two adult victims planned to sell a coat to somebody they met on Facebook Marketplace, police said. The sellers and the buyer agreed to meet at the shopping center.

An unknown man approached the victims as they arrived and asked for the coat. The suspect then pulled up his shirt to reveal a handgun in his waistband as the victims pulled out the coat, officers said.

Authorities said the victims handed over the coat and the suspect fled in a light-colored Honda.

Police described this suspect as a 25-year-old black man who is thin and stands about 5-feet, 8 inches tall. He wore a blue mask, a black long-sleeve sweatshirt, black jogging pants and black shoes.

Glen Burnie Robbery

Officers said the Glen Burnie robbery happened last Friday around 6 p.m. outside a home in the 500 block of West Court.

This victim met the male suspect on Instagram and arranged to meet at his home to sell high-end shoes and jewelry, authorities said.

The victim loaded the merchandise into the suspect's vehicle, and a second male suspect approached. Police said the second suspect displayed a handgun and demanded the victim's car keys.

The victim gave up his keys and ran toward his home, officers said.

Authorities said both suspects drove away in the first suspect's vehicle. They did not steal the victim's vehicle.

Police said they searched the area but could not find the suspects or their vehicle.

Detectives are still investigating both cases. Officers asked anybody with information to call (410) 222-6155. Tipsters can stay anonymous by dialing (410) 222-4700.

Safety During Online Sales

The Anne Arundel County Police Department reminded residents that they can complete these kinds of transactions at one of their stations.

"Meeting a seller/buyer in person following an e-commerce transaction has become increasingly common, however it can also be dangerous," the agency said in a press release. "All stations are monitored 24/7 by video surveillance, and may help to avoid a scam or dangerous encounter."

The county's stations are:

Northern District

939 Hammonds Lane
Brooklyn Park, MD 21225

Southern District

35 Stepneys Lane
Edgewater, MD 21037

Eastern District

204 Pasadena Road
Pasadena, MD 21122

Western District

8273 Telegraph Road
Odenton, MD 21113