Teen Robbed During Clothes Sale in Prince William County

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Police are issuing a warning after a 16-year-old boy was robbed while trying to sell clothes. The robbery occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday near Signal Hill Park, following an arrangement made on Instagram.

The teenager met with a group on Skystone Loop to finalize the sale when one individual displayed a firearm. Another suspect grabbed the clothing items from the victim before they fled in a vehicle. Fortunately, the boy was not injured during the incident.

Prince William County police reported that the suspects included two males and one female, all appearing to be in their mid to late teens. Lt. Johnathan Perok emphasized the need for caution, especially as the holiday season approaches.

“One, I would never encourage a juvenile to conduct a transaction like this. It’s always better that an adult is present,” Perok said. He advised against meeting with strangers for online transactions, citing the unpredictable nature of such encounters.

To enhance safety, police recommend meeting at designated areas, such as their department’s parking lot, where officers can monitor the exchange. If uncomfortable with an outdoor meeting, individuals can use the police station’s lobby or choose public, well-lit locations.

Investigators are pursuing leads on the suspects and encourage anyone with information about the robbery to contact them. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online sales, especially for teenagers.