BREAUX BRIDGE, La. (KLFY)- UPDATE: Two armed robbery suspects face addition charges, the Breaux Bridge Police Department said.
Austen Granger, 19, faces five counts of armed robbery, attempted simple escape, criminal damage to property and possession of schedule 1 narcotics.
Marne Addison, 18, faces five counts of armed robbery.
These charges stem from an armed robbery involving five victims in a vehicle, Breaux Bridge Police Chief Rollie Cantu said.
The investigation is still ongoing.
ORIGINAL: Police have arrested two suspects in connection to armed robberies in Breaux Bridge.
Between March 21 and March 26, Breaux Bridge Police responded to two armed robberies in the 1800 block of Rees Street.
“In each case, the victims had been lured to the spot under the pretense of purchasing or selling an item on the app LetGo (LetGo.com),” the department said in a statement today.
During the course of these robberies, all victims were threatened with a handgun.
In both incidents the suspects had agreed to meet the victims in one place but then changed the location at the last minute, police said.
Detectives were able to narrow down the location of both suspects who were found in a local hotel. The stolen items are also found, police said.
Austin Granger, charged with two counts of armed robbery and illegal use of CDS in the presence of a juvenile.
Marne Addison faces two counts of armed robbery, illegal use of CDS in the presence of a juvenile and possession of marijuana.
The Breaux Bridge Police Department is reminding residents to follow safety tips when buying or selling anything on a social media platform:
1. Arrange to meet in a public location of your choosing. This might be a restaurant, coffee shop, municipal building, library, or any location that is public and that you are familiar with. Whenever possible avoid going to a buyer’s or seller’s home, or inviting them to your home.
2. Buddy up! Take a friend with you to meet with the buyer or seller. Most robbers prefer their victims to be alone.
3. Trust your instincts. If a situation doesn’t feel right, get out! Many robbery victims report getting an uneasy feeling about a situation just before they’re robbed.
4. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t let your judgment be clouded by an incredibly good deal on something.
5. Meet in a well lit and heavily populated area.
6. Only carry the minimum amount of cash necessary. Leave your jewelry and other valuables at home.
Thanks again to the officers and detectives who brought this particular threat to public safety to an end.