Victim has Cash Yanked out of Hand and Purchase Snatched during Facebook Marketplace Exchange

Niagara Falls Police responded to the 500 block of 26th Street around 5:10pm on April 25th for what was originally reported as a robbery but later changed to a larceny.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim. He stated he contacted a “Benjamin” on Facebook marketplace on April 24th around 10:30pm regarding a PlayStation 5 system listed for sale.

Benjamin responded in the morning hours of April 25th and they settled on a price of $230. At the agreed upon time, Benjamin brought the system to the victim’s front porch. The victim was holding the $230 cash in his right hand and when he opened the bag to look at the system, Benjamin grabbed the money out of his hand, picked up the system, ran to his vehicle and then drove away going west on Walnut Avenue.

The victim showed officers the Facebook messages with Benjamin, but his account had already been deleted. He also stated there was a passenger in the front seat of the vehicle but could not provide a physical description.

The suspect was identified as a black male with black curly hair and about 5’10” to 6’. The vehicle was described as a grey colored 4-door sedan.  The victim showed officers a photo that he had taken of the vehicle.

Shortly thereafter, officers did locate a vehicle on the 1700 block of Niagara Street that possibly matched the description given by the victim. Both individuals in the vehicle were detained and transported to the scene for a show up.

The victim positively identified the male suspect. He was transported to police headquarters for booking and processing.

No further information is available at this time.

Victim has Cash Yanked out of Hand and Purchase Snatched during Facebook Marketplace Exchange