SAN JOSE — Three men were arrested for allegedly robbing two separate people they met with on the pretense of buying expensive items from online marketplaces, authorities said.
The three suspects — two 19-year-old men and an 18-year-old man who was a juvenile at the time of the incidents — allegedly carried out the two robberies on June 11, according to a press release from the San Jose Police Department. All three suspects are residents of San Jose.
Around 9:10 p.m., police responded to the 500 block of Hermitage Avenue where the first victim reported that he had been trying to sell a pair of $480 shoes, authorities said. One of the suspects had arranged to meet the victim through an online application.
When the three suspects arrived at the predetermined location, one exited a vehicle, pushed the victim and stole the shoes, authorities said. The suspects then fled in the vehicle.
At about 10:15 p.m., police responded to another strong-arm robbery in the parking lot of 4900 block of Cherry Avenue, authorities said. In what was supposed to be a negotiated transaction, the suspects took by force a watch valued at more than $3,000.
The suspects then assaulted the victim and fled in a vehicle, authorities added.
In their investigation into both incidents, police identified the three suspects and obtained arrest and search warrants, authorities said.
The suspects were arrested in San Jose between Aug. 19 and Aug. 22. Police found loaded firearms in two of the three suspects’ residences.
The two adult suspects were booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail. The juvenile suspect, who was an adult at the time of his arrest, was first booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail and later transferred to the juvenile hall, authorities said.
Anyone with further information on these incidents is asked to contact Detective Ledesma #4842 at 4842@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-4166.
Police also encouraged shoppers to “stay alert, stay safe” while using online marketplaces. They recommended meeting in public places, refraining from going alone, trusting your instincts and keeping records of transactions.