Additional charges have been added to the booking sheets of two people arrested in connection with armed robberies on Rees Street.
Courtesy Breaux Bridge PD
Austin Granger, 19, of Breaux Bridge, has now been booked with five additional counts of armed robbery, one count attempted simple escape, one count criminal damage to property and one count possession of drugs. Yesterday, he was booked with two counts armed robbery and one count illegal use of drugs in the presence of a juvenile.
Yesterday, she was booked with two counts armed robbery, one count illegal use of drugs in the presence of a juvenile and one count possession of marijuana.
Yesterday, Breaux Bridge Police said the robberies happened between March 21 and March 26, 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). 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 say.
Detectives began an investigation and served several search warrants, and identified two suspects. On Tuesday, detectives executed a search warrant at a local hotel. They found both suspects at the hotel, along with several of the victims’ stolen items.
The investigation is continuing, and more charges may follow, police said.
The Breaux Bridge Police Department also provided some safety tips for citizens to follow 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.
