Facebook sneaker seller ambushed in frightening attack
A teenager pointed a gun at a man and screamed “this is the real deal” while robbing him of a pair of Nike sneakers worth $630 after the pair arranged to meet on Facebook Marketplace.
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A terrified victim thought a gun-wielding punk would kill him “over something as insignificant as sneakers” after trying to make a sale on Facebook Marketplace.
A teenager pointed a gun at the man and screamed “this is the real deal” while robbing him of $630 worth of luxury shoes after the pair arranged to meet.
It comes as police warn of a rising number of crimes stemming from online sales.
The 17-year-old boy appeared in court last month after arranging to buy three pairs of Nike Air Max Plus shoes worth $630.
But when the seller arrived at the meeting point in North Melbourne, he was ambushed by the teen who lifted up his shirt to reveal an imitation handgun shoved in his pants.
The young thug yelled: “I’m strapped and this is the real deal”, before racking the handgun and demanding the victim’s phone. He fled with a co-accused in a car moments later.
The teen was arrested two days later and has pleaded guilty to armed robbery and possessing three imitation firearms.
A Children’s Court heard the victim was still reeling from the traumatic experience.
“To lose all your agency … can only be described as harrowing,” the victim said.
“My social skills and confidence have been bruised and I’m not yet sure to what extent.”
Magistrate Maria Stylianou called the crime “appalling”.
“It’s frightening,” she said.
“The victim will be feeling the effect of this experience probably for the rest of his life.”
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Meanwhile, police sources say there are anecdotal indications of more crimes arising from online sales.
They say wherever there is an opportunity, criminals will exploit it.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said sellers should arrange to meet a buyer in a public place, choose a time when other people will be present, take a friend relative along and organise the exchange by phone call rather than text message.
The teenager was bailed last week while he awaits sentencing next month.