Selling your belongings has become more convenient with the rise of social media. However, this convenience also poses a risk of falling prey to thieves.
In a span of only two days, two separate meet-ups arranged through Facebook Marketplace turned sour at a metro apartment complex.
Two men were immediately captivated by a diamond wedding ring and an iPhone 16 Pro, both of considerable worth and available for purchase. They promptly made arrangements to acquire and collect these coveted items.
According to the police, what unfolded next is something that everyone should be mindful of.
Dillion Quirk with OKCPD emphasized that selling things online has become a widespread practice these days. He acknowledged the increasing popularity of online selling but highlighted the importance of ensuring safety in the process.
Last month, the police provided valuable tips and guidance on how to safely navigate online purchases, in response to yet another unfortunate incident involving a Facebook Marketplace transaction.
Just two weeks ago, two additional individuals became victims of the incident.
The affidavit states that there was a diamond wedding ring available for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
They decided to meet at Ambassador Apartments when someone expressed interest in buying it.
A man wearing a wig appeared, inspecting the paperwork to verify the authenticity of the diamond ring. Suddenly, the suspect swiftly reached into the car, snatched the ring, and swiftly fled the scene.
During the investigation of the robbery, the police received information about another incident that had occurred at the same apartments two days earlier.
A man wearing a wig showed up and stole the iPhone 16 Pro that was being sold.
According to Quirk, if someone asks you to meet at a location that you are unfamiliar with or uncomfortable with, it may not be a good idea to go there.
The individuals responsible were tracked down a day later when the ring was sold at a pawn shop in Del City.
It turns out that the two robberies were actually connected.
Keith Williams III and Kaylon Williams were arrested and taken to the Oklahoma County Jail for allegedly collaborating in both incidents.
“Let’s meet up in a well-lit spot, perhaps somewhere with visible surveillance cameras,” advised Quirk.
According to the Oklahoma City Police, Keith Williams has also been connected to a drive-by shooting that occurred shortly after the robberies.
They both have multiple charges against them.