What was supposed to be a routine in-person cellphone sale on Orlando's S. Kirkman Avenue turned into an armed robbery, according to police, who say a local teen was arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on the seller.
Orlando police say the April 1 meetup in the 900 block of S. Kirkman Ave. ended with the suspect displaying a handgun, grabbing multiple cellphones and about $300 in cash, then trying to take off before officers detained him. Investigators later recovered the stolen phones and a firearm at the teen's residence.
Teen Arrested for Armed Robbery During E-Commerce Exchange
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) April 20, 2026
On April 1, 2026, West Patrol officers responded to the 900 block of S. Kirkman Ave. in reference to an armed robbery.
Officers met with the victim, who reported arranging to sell cellphones to the suspect. During the… pic.twitter.com/TxzhspvnM5
Police Account And Charges
According to Orlando Police, West Patrol officers responded after a seller set up a meeting with a buyer to sell cellphones. The department identified the suspect as Gregori Castro-Santana (born July 11, 2008) and said he faces charges that include armed robbery, third-degree grand theft, and possession of a firearm by a minor.
Officers said the firearm recovered at the suspect's home was reported stolen in 2023. Police added that other stolen items were also recovered during a follow-up search.
Marketplace Meetups Remain Risky
In its post about the arrest, the department used the incident as a warning about how quickly online marketplace deals can go wrong, backing up safety advice that federal consumer officials have been repeating for years.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends meeting buyers or sellers in public, well-lit locations, not sharing verification codes, and being cautious with unusual payment methods, according to the FTC.
OfferUp and other marketplace platforms promote "Community MeetUp Spots" that are typically set up at police stations or in monitored parking lots to give people a safer place to hand off goods and cash, per OfferUp.
Next Steps
Orlando Police did not release booking details in the social media post. Prosecutors are expected to review the case and decide on formal charges.
The department is asking anyone with information about the April 1 robbery to contact West Patrol or submit tips through official reporting channels. For residents who still prefer to handle marketplace deals face-to-face, police and consumer agencies alike say the safest approach is to treat every meetup as a potential risk and plan accordingly.
