Houston police are seeking the public’s help in locating two teenagers accused of robbing victims through fake Facebook Marketplace transactions. The suspects, 17-year-old Arlando Lyles and 18-year-old Christian Pickett, are facing serious charges related to multiple robberies that occurred in apartment complexes and parks across the city.
Lyles is wanted for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and theft from a person, while Pickett faces a charge of theft from a person. Police believe additional individuals may also be involved in these crimes.
Robbery Scheme on Facebook Marketplace
The investigation by the Houston Police Department (HPD) reveals a pattern of robberies in which the suspects posed as sellers on Facebook Marketplace. They would create fake profiles, offering items at prices that seemed too good to be true, then arrange to meet victims at locations such as parks or apartment complexes.
Initially, the suspects assaulted victims to steal their money, but over time, they escalated to using firearms during the robberies.
The robberies have occurred at various locations on the city’s west and southeast sides, particularly near apartment complexes and parks. Some of these locations have been targeted multiple times. Notably, apartment complexes on Cullen and Selinsky have been frequent spots for these crimes.
List of Robbery Locations and Dates
September 21, 2024: Apartment complex at 2400 S. Loop W. – 3:06 pm
September 29, 2024: Apartment complex at 2700 Woodland Park Dr. – 5:45 pm
October 7, 2024: Apartment complex at 5900 Selinsky – 6:09 pm
October 21, 2024: Park at 7900 Rockhill – 3:22 pm
October 26, 2024: Apartment complex parking lot at 3700 Faulkner – 2:02 pm
November 2, 2024: Apartment complex at 10100 Cullen – 4:30 pm
November 8, 2024: Apartment complex at 10000 Cullen – 5:30 pm
November 15, 2024: Apartment complex at 5900 Selinsky – 4:37 pm
November 16, 2024: Apartment complex at 10000 Cullen – 6:23 pm
November 17, 2024: Apartment complex at 7100 Scott – 3:56 pm
November 18, 2024: Apartment complex at 10000 Cullen – 7:35 pm
November 18, 2024: Apartment complex at 5900 Selinsky – 7:51 pm
November 21, 2024: Apartment complex at 10000 Cullen – 10:29 pm
November 22, 2024: Park at 7900 Rockhill – 3:20 pm
November 24, 2024: Apartment complex at 10000 Cullen – 4:09 pm
Police Advise Public to Meet at Safe Locations
As a precautionary measure, HPD advises anyone conducting transactions through Facebook Marketplace to meet at safe locations, such as local police stations, to avoid becoming a victim of these types of scams. It is also recommended to buy from profiles with verified past activity to reduce the risk of being targeted by fraudsters.
How You Can Help
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Arlando Lyles and Christian Pickett to come forward. Anyone who may have witnessed these robberies or has additional details about the suspects is asked to contact the Houston Police Department.
