A mom and baby were threatened at gunpoint, and a man was shot as they were buying a cell phone from a 16-year-old earlier this month.
Phoenix police report that on July 22 a man, along with his girlfriend and 9-month-old daughter traveled to a Phoenix fire station near 23rd and Southern avenues, to buy a cell phone from an "Offer Up" advertisement.
They agreed to buy an iPhone for $300. The victims say the suspect, a 16-year-old, came up to the passenger side of the vehicle and asked for the money. The woman requested to see the phone. The suspect put his backpack on top of the car and pulled out a phone box. He then allegedly placed the phone box on top of the car and acted like he was going to open it, when he instead pulled a handgun and pointed it at the woman, demanding money.
The woman gave him her wallet, and he took $50.
The suspect reportedly demanded more money, putting the gun to the head of the 9-month-old girl. The man said there was more money in the car’s trunk; he exited the vehicle to grab more money when he was shot in the chest and neck. Police say the victim is in critical condition and may be paralyzed from the shooting.
"Offer Up" gave police the phone number of the person who placed the ad and police were able to track him down.
Police say the suspect told them a different story, saying they gave him $50 instead of the agreed upon price of $300. He felt like he was being ripped off, so he pulled out his handgun and held it to his side and said he needed the rest of the money. The suspect told police the man went to the trunk to get the money but instead rushed the suspect and the gun, which was now in his waistband, causing it to go off hitting the victim.
The juvenile suspect has been charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, and other charges.
