Three Suspects Charged in Facebook Marketplace Armed Robbery
Three suspects, including two 15-year-old boys and 19-year-old Ja’Vion Phillips, face charges following an armed robbery arranged on Facebook Marketplace, fox13memphis.com reported. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office stated that deputies responded to the 5300 block of Ross Road in southeast Shelby County at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Sept. 26 after a victim listed a firearm for sale and met a potential buyer in person.
When the victim and a friend arrived at the meeting spot, an unknown suspect pulled out a firearm and stole the weapon advertised for sale. Three additional suspects then arrived, pointed firearms at the victims, searched their vehicle, and stole two extra pistol magazines before fleeing.
Sheriff Detectives Link Teens to Multiple Robberies
SCSO investigators identified Phillips and two 15-year-old boys as suspects during their subsequent inquiry. On Oct. 15, detectives connected one of the teenage suspects to a separate armed robbery in the 6500 block of Barley Cove in southeast Shelby County. That minor faces charges of aggravated robbery and two counts of aggravated assault.
On Oct. 20, the sheriff’s Burglary, Robbery and Auto Theft Squad executed a search warrant in the 5400 block of Edwin Forest Road in Memphis. Deputies recovered a car key programmer stolen during the Barley Cove robbery, along with evidence linking the suspects to the Ross Road incident. Authorities apprehended another 15-year-old minor, filing charges against him that include possession of a handgun by a juvenile, two counts of aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit a felony involving aggravated robbery, and two counts of aggravated robbery.
Search Warrants Lead to Further Arrests and Weapon Recoveries
The investigation advanced on Thursday, Oct. 29, when SCSO detectives searched a property in the 1500 block of Frayser Boulevard in Memphis. Law enforcement officials seized extra evidence alongside a Glock 35 pistol featuring a Glock switch and a fully loaded Glock magazine. Following these discoveries, Phillips faced subsequent charges involving possession of a prohibited weapon, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and aggravated robbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific items were stolen during the Ross Road robbery?
The suspects stole the firearm originally advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace, along with two additional pistol magazines taken from the victims’ vehicle.
Which law enforcement units led the investigation?
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office handled the case, utilizing detectives from its Burglary, Robbery and Auto Theft Squad to execute search warrants and make arrests.
What additional contraband was seized during the searches?
During the execution of search warrants in Memphis, deputies recovered a stolen car key programmer, a loaded Glock magazine, and a Glock 35 handgun equipped with a Glock switch.