ALLEGHENY CO., Pa. — A deal on social media that was too good to be true ended with people being robbed at gunpoint in Duquesne.
Police said the victims agreed to meet at a house to sell designer shoes, but when they showed up to the home on Lincoln Avenue around 6 p.m. Tuesday, they quickly became victims of what police described as a violent crime.
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According to a criminal complaint, the victims were physically assaulted and pushed up against a wall before being robbed at gunpoint.
Police said Mitchell Johnson and Aaron Pirl were behind the armed robbery. It didn’t take long before police tracked them down and arrested them.
Channel 11 learned this isn’t the first crime to happen at that home. Police have executed state and federal search warrants on the house in just the past several months.
During those searches, officers have found guns and drugs.
The big message from police was that if you want to buy or sell something online, do it in a safe, public place -- such as the parking lot at the City of Duquesne Police Department.
“A police officer from our agency will actually standby while you’re conducting a transaction,” said Chief Thomas Dunlevy.
Police have three big things you should look out for if you buy or sell online:
- If the person you’re communicating with is using a fake name or something appears to be fake
- Exchanging the merchandise - If someone tries to lure you into a remote area or go into a neighborhood
- Stay away from anyone who wants you to Cash App them money up front
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