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The robbery took place in Stratford on Saturday, April 23 when the victim placed an ad on Facebook Marketplace to sell an iPhone.
When the victim went to meet the suspect at a prearranged location, the suspect allegedly assaulted the seller while displaying a handgun and made off with the phone, said Capt. Frank Eannotti, of the Stratford Police.
The Stratford Police Detective Bureau with the assistance of the Bridgeport Police Department Task Force identified the main suspect as New Haven County resident Shahiem Donald, 18, of Ansonia, Eannotti said.
It was later determined that Donald and his co-conspirators would contact various victims throughout Fairfield County online to arrange to either buy or sell iPhones and other items, police said.
Once the suspects met with the victims, Donald and his gang would use force to steal cell phones and other valuables, Eannotti said.
On Wednesday, May 4, Stratford Police, along with Bridgeport Police, arrested Donald for robbery and larceny.
He was held on a $150,000 bond.
If anyone has any additional information they are asked to contact Det. Torres or Det. Policano at 203-381-2098.
"The Stratford Police Department warns all to use caution when selling or buying items posted privately online," Eannotti said.
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