Armed Robbery Of Facebook Marketplace User In West Orange: Police

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange police are searching for a person who allegedly robbed a victim at gunpoint after the two arranged to meet over the internet earlier this month, authorities announced Friday.

According to a statement from the township public information officer, the armed robbery took place around 6:30 p.m. on July 16 at the corner of Washington Street and Watchung Avenue.

The seller and buyer made initial contact via Facebook Marketplace, agreeing on the sale of a pair of sneakers. During their meeting, the buyer allegedly told the seller that he had a gun, and displayed what appeared to be a firearm on his waist, authorities said.

The buyer then grabbed the proceeds and fled down Watchung Avenue towards Columbia Street while pointing the handgun back towards the victim, authorities said.

The suspect was described as a male about 16-years-old about 5 feet 9 inches with a slim build (see surveillance photos below).

Anyone with information can contact the West Orange Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 973-325-4020 or by email at cid@wopd.org.

Authorities added a suggestion for anyone who plans to make a transaction over the internet in West Orange:

“To avoid occurrences such as this, it is recommended that residents take advantage of the WOPD's SAFE Exchange Zone inside the lobby of police headquarters at 60 Main Street. It is available for the safe exchange of legal items being sold between parties especially for interactions with unknown individuals. All transactions are videotaped and it is open to public 24 hours a day with no appointment necessary to just walk in. For further information, you can contact the WOPD non-emergency number at (973) 325-4000. For emergencies or to report a crime in progress, dial 9-1-1.”

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