On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at approximately 12:34 p.m., officers responded to the 1500 block of Belsly Boulevard for a report of a victim who stated he was meeting someone to buy a gaming system. Instead, two males grabbed his money, pushed him, and ran off when they met in the apartment entryway. Officers were unable to locate suspects at that time.
On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, patrol officers who responded to the call for service the day before initiated a follow-up investigation, including posing as a buyer online, communicating with the suspect about purchasing a gaming system, and meeting the suspect in person to buy the system. After meeting with the suspect, one suspect was eventually taken into custody. The second suspect later came to the Law Enforcement Center to turn himself in and was also placed at the Juvenile Detention Center. Both are 16 years old and facing felony robbery charges. Patrol and Investigations Divisions worked together to bring resolution to this case.
The Moorhead Police Department reminds the community that several places, such as the Clay County Law Enforcement Center, have designated areas for meeting parties when purchasing or selling products to unknown people. Other tips include: don't go alone, using secure payment methods versus exchanging cash; however, remember the use of gift cards is often a scam, do not share personal information that isn't necessary, do your research and check the person's profile, and other information provided on the site, including any buying and selling history and reviews, and lastly, if something doesn't feel right, avoid those transactions.
Captain Deric Swenson, 218.299.5186
