Murfreesboro police say what was supposed to be a simple Instagram clothing sale turned into a gunpoint robbery Thursday, leaving two teenagers without their merchandise and cash. Witnesses told officers the suspects showed up in ski masks and black clothing, pulled out what appeared to be an AR-style pistol along with a handgun, then took off with the teens' goods and money. Investigators later tracked a vehicle believed to be connected to the holdup, stopped it and detained three juveniles who were taken to a detention center, according to police.
As reported by WKRN, the teens had set up the meetup with buyers on Thursday when the suspects arrived and carried out the robbery. Detectives said license plate reader data tied a specific vehicle to the scene; that car was later stopped at North Rutherford Boulevard and Alumni Drive, where three juveniles were taken into custody on aggravated robbery allegations, according to the station.
Where to meet safely
The Murfreesboro Police Department is again urging anyone completing private-party sales to use its Safe Exchange Zone at police headquarters, which is a well lit, camera monitored cluster of parking spaces intended for online meetups and custody exchanges, according to the city. The Safe Exchange Zone page lists the location at 1004 North Highland Avenue. A prior report noted the department launched the program after similar marketplace robberies earlier this year.
Charges and follow-up
As WKRN reports, Murfreesboro police said the three teens are facing aggravated robbery charges and were booked into the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center. Detectives have asked anyone who may have photos, video or other tips tied to the case to contact the department’s Criminal Investigations Division so they can keep working potential leads.
How to stay safe
Police say a few basic habits can go a long way when buying or selling online: meet in busy, well lit public places (the department recommends its Safe Exchange Zone), bring a friend, inspect items in daylight and avoid inviting strangers into your home. If you see suspicious behavior during an exchange, call 911; for non emergencies the city lists a non emergency line on its website.
