Four boys are suspected of perpetrating a cluster of robberies in Perris and neighboring communities targeting people trying to sell goods via social media, opening fire with a pistol during one of the hold-ups but not injuring anyone, authorities said Wednesday.
The youths, whose names were not disclosed due to their ages, were arrested and booked into Riverside Juvenile Hall Tuesday on suspicion of armed robbery, burglary and related offenses. Bond information was not available.
Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Miguel Ramos alleged that a total of five robberies occurred between Feb. 3 and Feb. 25, mostly in Perris, but also San Jacinto and the unincorporated area around Perris.
Ramos said the suspects would contact prospective sellers of items via “e-commerce platforms” accessible via mobile phone applications and arrange to meet them at different locations.
When victims arrived and presented whatever they were intending to sell, the teenagers would brandish firearms and demand money and the parties’ other valuables, according to the sergeant.
“During a robbery (on Tuesday), one of the suspects fired several shots in the direction of the victims but did not strike any of them,” he said.
Investigators ultimately identified the alleged perpetrators and gathered sufficient evidence to obtain search warrants, which were served without incident at the teens’ homes Tuesday.
“Evidence linking the suspects to the (offenses) and a … semiautomatic pistol were seized during the search warrants,” Ramos said.
Background information on the suspects was unavailable.