Detectives use same app to catch suspects used to target victims

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police connected four teens to at least four robberies because of a distinct gun they used during the crimes.

A sting operation was set up to catch the suspects, according to police warrants.

The teens used the Letgo app to target their victims, but it backfired on them when police caught on to them.

Earlier this month, Marc Gordiano was selling his PS4 and accessories using Letgo.

[Man robbed, assaulted during meetup to sell PS4]

He met up with the teens and after they got into his car, they pulled a gun on him, punched him and stole the gaming machine and his phone.

"Then the guy behind me, sitting behind me, pulls a gun and puts it to my neck, and says, ‘Hey give me all your stuff,'" Gordiano told Channel 9 after the robbery happened.

Gordiano told police he was also pistol-whipped with a black and pink gun.

Earlier this week, Channel 9 reported that detectives arrested Izreal Johnson, 16, and three 15-year-old boys for a crime similar in nature. The victims, who are West Mecklenburg High School students, said they were robbed by a group of teens who used a gun that was black and pink.

[4 teens accused of violent robbery spree]

They were taken into custody after robbing some West Mecklenburg High School students.

Before the robbery, Gordiano said he communicated with a seller under the name, Gabriel O, on the app, according to warrants.

Detectives contacted Gabriel O on the same app and posed as buyers for an iPhone, the same phone stolen from Gordiano.

The teens were arrested when they approached the detectives' van and the police seized a handgun, a ski mask and Gordiano's phone.

The names of the 15-year-old suspects will not be released because they are juveniles.

Police said earlier that the same gun connected them to all four robberies.

Johnson has been charged with attempted armed robbery, conspiracy and robbery with a dangerous weapon. His bond has been set at $3,000 for all three charges.

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Cox Media Group