SCRANTON – City police released information Monday, April 16, concerning the arrest of two juvenile males in connection with a series of reported strong-arm robberies over the last three weeks.
All reported victims and suspects are juveniles and have not been identified by police.
Investigations began on March 28, when police were called to a home along Academy Street. The victim was allegedly approached by three black males who stole three packs of cigarettes and a cell phone from him.
A second alleged victim was robbed April 6 in the 900 block of South Main Avenue. The victim told police that he was approached by two males that asked him for cigarettes. One of the men then told him, “Run your (expletive) pockets,” demanding all of his belongings.
One of the suspects then allegedly displayed a handgun concealed in his waistband and stated, “How would you like if I pull this out? I’m not afraid to use it!”
The suspects then fled on foot for no reason.
Later on April 6, at about 7:40 p.m., a third robbery was reported in the 1300 block of Jackson Street. The alleged victim told officers he was approached by four black males who surrounded him and asked him for $2. Members of the group patted him down when he said he didn’t have any money and stole his iPhone.
One suspect, a 17-year-old, allegedly admitted his involvement in the three robberies during an interview with Scranton Det. James Pappas on April 11. He is charged as a juvenile with robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal attempt to commit robbery, and criminal conspiracy to commit robbery.
The first suspect also told police that he was with a 15-year-old male during each robbery. That teen admitted his role in the robberies during an April 12 interview. He is charged as a juvenile with one count of criminal attempt to commit robbery and two counts of criminal conspiracy to commit robbery.
Anyone with information about other suspects is asked to call Scranton police at (570) 558-8428.