San Francisco streets have become a bit safer today following the arrest of two men behind a series of violent armed robberies linked to an online marketplace scam. The San Francisco Police confirmed that the duo hoodwinked potential buyers with bogus car sales only to rob them at gunpoint upon meeting. Victims weren't just robbed of their cash. Some were left bruised and battered, according to an official statement released by the SFPD.
Dating back almost a year to April 2023, the locales of these high-stakes swindles spanned from Blythedale Avenue to the junction of Ingerson Avenue and Griffith Street. It was not a matter of chance that led to the capture of 19-year-old Jevonte Powell and 20-year-old Jermaine Williams. It was diligent detective work as described by the SFPD, which outlined an intensive investigation process involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Powell didn't evade the long arm of the law for long, with officers apprehending him on April 9. A mere week later, Williams was also in custody – each now faces a slew of charges, ranging from robbery to assault with a deadly weapon. In a chilling reminder of the ever-present danger, Powell's rap sheet reads off 9 counts of robbery, 5 counts of kidnapping for robbery, 11 counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and 2 counts of attempted robbery. In comparison, Williams is racked with 3 counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery.
While the SFPD has brought the culprits to justice, they urge the community to remain on alert, advocating for strict adherence to safety when buying items from individuals online. Never give out personal info, meet in public spaces, preferably well-lit and places you're familiar with, like a police station, and always trust your gut because though property can be replaced, people cannot. Tips can be anonymously submitted to the San Francisco Police Department via their 24-hour tip line or Text a Tip service should anyone have information regarding the robberies.
