A 19-year-old Chicago man lured six victims into armed theft traps by means of Fb Market, concentrating on sellers promoting Air Jordan sneakers on the market within the weeks main as much as Christmas, prosecutors say.
Bryant Welch used a Fb account registered in his title with the username “Serving Greatest Offers” to contact victims who had posted footwear on the market on-line, in accordance with authorities.
The Chicago Police Division issued a neighborhood alert in regards to the crime sample shortly earlier than Christmas, warning residents about an armed robber responding to ads for Air Jordans and different Nike model footwear on {the marketplace} platform.
Prosecutors stated the robberies adopted an identical sample: Welch organized conferences with sellers, then confronted them with firearms, threatened to kill the victims, and stole the footwear with out paying.
The primary holdup occurred on December 3 at 1:30 p.m. within the 1700 block of West Steuben Avenue, the place prosecutors say a 20-year-old man was robbed of Jordan 4 Black Cat footwear as Bryant brandished a handgun geared up with a laser sight and an prolonged journal.
The next day, December 4, at 4:15 p.m., an 18-year-old man was robbed of Jordan footwear at gunpoint within the 1700 block of West Edmaire Avenue.
On December 10 at 1:37 p.m., a 26-year-old man was robbed of Jordan footwear within the 11300 block of South Davol Avenue. This time, a prison criticism says, Welch was armed with a rifle.
December 18 noticed two separate robberies. At 5:20 p.m., two males, ages 19 and 20, had been robbed of Jordan footwear at gunpoint within the 1600 block of West Monterey Avenue. About three hours later, a 25-year-old man was robbed of Jordan footwear at gunpoint within the 11000 block of South Ashland Avenue.
Prosecutors stated all six victims recognized Welch in picture lineups.
Choose Ankur Srivastava ordered Welch detained pending trial throughout a courtroom listening to.
