Brooklyn Park police are searching for two adults after a juvenile was robbed and had their car stolen during an in-person online marketplace meetup in the 7900 block of Lad Parkway. The teen told officers they went there to meet a buyer from the internet when an adult man and woman allegedly pulled a knife, took the items for sale and then drove off in the juvenile's vehicle before officers arrived. The suspects have not yet been found.
What the police say
According to KSTP, investigators spoke with the juvenile at the scene, who described traveling to the 7900 block of Lad Parkway to meet an online buyer. Police say the two suspects, described as an adult male and an adult female, held a knife to the juvenile, took the items meant for sale and then took off in the juvenile's car. The investigation remains active.
Police request help
The Brooklyn Park Police Department is asking anyone with information, video or dash-cam footage to call the department's non-emergency line at 763-493-8222 or email media inquiries to [email protected]. The city lists its police administration at 5400 85th Ave. N., where residents can also use designated exchange areas for online transactions. Community members who see the vehicle or the suspects are urged to call 911 right away.
Safe meeting spots
Local police have repeatedly warned that online meetups can be risky, and Brooklyn Park officials have urged residents to use safe marketplace meetups at the station when completing transactions. Hoodline previously highlighted those recommendations, including the department's designated safe-exchange locations and tips for safer in-person sales. The reminder comes as law enforcement across the Twin Cities continues to warn that cash-and-hand-off deals can attract opportunistic thieves.
Anyone with tips about the robbery or the stolen vehicle is asked to contact Brooklyn Park police or submit a tip through the department's non-emergency line. Police have not released suspect names and say any footage or witness statements could help detectives as they continue the investigation, as reported by KSTP.
