A planned online marketplace exchange in Johnson City turned into an armed robbery last week, leaving police with three suspects in custody.
The incident happened on April 27, shortly before 7 p.m., in a parking lot at 920 N. State of Franklin Road. The victim had arranged to meet someone through an online marketplace platform to complete a transaction — a common practice that turned dangerous.
According to the Johnson City Police Department, two armed suspects approached and robbed the victim during the meeting. Investigators believe the robbery was targeted, not random.
Three Suspects Arrested
Officers arrested two juveniles on Thursday and charged them with aggravated robbery, possession of a handgun in the commission of a dangerous felony, and theft of a firearm. Both were transported to the Upper East Tennessee Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
An 18-year-old Elizabethton man, Jaden Taylor, was also arrested on April 29. He faces charges of facilitation of a felony and is currently held at the Washington County Detention Center.
What Police Are Saying
The case remains under active investigation by the Johnson City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
Anyone with information is urged to call 423-434-6166. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 423-930-6535 or by texting “423JCPD” to 847411.
