A 17-year-old North Brunswick teen was charged with theft after he reportedly took off with a pair of expensive used sneakers during a sale arranged through an online application.
According to police, on Dec. 17th at approximately 3:52 p.m. officers responded to the 300 block of W. Clay Avenue for a report of a theft.
Upon arrival, officers located a 22-year-old male who advised them that he had responded to the area to meet and sell a pair of expensive used sneakers to an individual he met on an online application.
A short time later the victim met the unidentified male juvenile who after looking at the sneakers grabbed them, ran and entered an awaiting vehicle that quickly fled the area.
Officers from Roselle and Roselle Park were able to locate the suspect vehicle on E. 2nd Ave in Roselle with two occupants still inside. One of the two occupants were positively identified as the actor who had taken the sneakers.
The 17-year-old male suspect from North Brunswick was placed under arrest and charged with theft. Police released him into the custody of a relative with a future court date.
The sneakers were later recovered by police.
Residents are reminded about the recently implemented Internet purchase exchange location at in the Roselle Park Police Municipal Lot where interested parties can safely complete a transaction when buying, selling, or trading items from different social media groups.
The location has been designated in the parking lot directly in front of Police Headquarters. The area is monitored by 24 hour video surveillance. In the event of cold or inclement weather, the parties can enter the lobby of Police Headquarters, which is also under 24 hour surveillance.
“Internet Purchase Exchange Location provides a safe and secure environment to complete these types of transactions,” said Police Chief Paul W. Morrison.
The Chief also advises residents to try to complete their transactions locally, in person, during daylight hours and to avoid any transaction that involves a wire transfer service or receiving funds in the form of a check or money order in excess of your sale price.