Long Island kid robbed by armed teen punks who used social media ad to trick him: officials
A group of armed teenage criminals deceived a 17-year-old Long Island resident by promising to purchase items the victim had advertised online, only to brandish guns and steal $6,000 worth of goods, according to prosecutors.
Isaac Brutus, 19, Aubre Vandunk, 18, and two other individuals orchestrated the scheme, arranging to meet the victim outside a Middle Island apartment complex on October 9 under the pretense of buying high-end clothing. However, the situation escalated when they attempted to steal the victim’s car, engaged in a scuffle, and ultimately fled with the stolen merchandise, as reported by Suffolk County prosecutors.
Fortunately, law enforcement officers swiftly located the perpetrators with the assistance of a police canine, leading to their surrender following a brief standoff. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasized the gravity of gunpoint robberies, affirming a zero-tolerance policy towards such crimes and a commitment to safeguarding the community.
The armed individuals, including a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old whose identities were withheld due to their status as minors, met the victim for the transaction around 5 p.m., leading to a violent confrontation. Brutus made an attempt to hijack the victim’s vehicle amid the chaos, prompting the display of firearms and the subsequent theft, according to the DA.
Upon apprehending the suspects at their hideout, authorities discovered three loaded illegal handguns and a modified BB gun designed to resemble a real firearm, along with the stolen items.
All four individuals were formally charged with felony robbery and various weapons-related offenses. Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen Kerr set bail at $250,000 in cash or partially secured bonds up to $2.5 million for each defendant. Court appearances are scheduled for the 16-year-old suspect, Vandunk, and the 17-year-old on specific dates in the coming weeks, while Brutus is slated to appear in court on December 8.
