Teenage Gang Robs Long Island Resident
A group of armed teenagers reportedly lured a 17-year-old from Long Island with the intention of purchasing items he had listed online. Unfortunately for the victim, the encounter turned violent when the gang pulled a gun and robbed him of approximately $6,000 worth of merchandise, according to prosecutors.
The suspects—19-year-old Isaac Brutus, 18-year-old Oble Vandanck, and two others—are alleged to have concocted this scheme.
On October 9, the victim agreed to meet them outside an apartment complex in Middle Island to sell some high-end clothing. Things escalated quickly; first, there was an attempt to steal the victim’s car, leading to a scuffle before they left with the stolen items. As reported by the Suffolk County Prosecutor.
Fortunately, the police were able to locate the suspects swiftly, aided by a police dog. They surrendered after a brief standoff, according to the prosecutor’s office.
District Attorney Ray Tierney expressed strongly that incidents of robbery at gunpoint, like this one, are simply unacceptable in Suffolk County. He emphasized the commitment of his office to hold accountable those who choose to use firearms in committing crimes, thus aiming to ensure the safety of the county’s residents.
The gunmen included two minors, aged 16 and 17, whose names haven’t been disclosed due to their age. They met with the victim around 5 p.m., but the intended transaction quickly spiraled out of control.
Reportedly, Brutus intended to take the victim’s car, but matters turned serious once a firearm was brandished.
When police caught up with the group at their hideout, they discovered three loaded illegal handguns and a BB gun designed to look like a real firearm, in addition to the items that were stolen.
All four suspects now face multiple charges, including felony robbery and various weapons-related offenses.
Acting Superior Court Judge Karen Carr set bail at $250,000 in cash or up to $2.5 million in partially secured bail for each suspect. The 16-year-old is expected back in court today, while Van Dunk and the other minor are scheduled to return on December 1, and Brutus on December 8.
