FLORIDA — A teenager was arrested after allegedly attempting to steal thousands of dollars worth of jewelry during a Facebook Marketplace transaction in Cape Coral, according to police.
Officers with the Cape Coral Police Department responded around 7:48 p.m. on March 20 to a home in southeast Cape Coral for reports of a theft.
Authorities said the victim had arranged to sell two gold chains and a gold pendant, valued at approximately $15,000, to a buyer he met through Facebook Marketplace.
During the meeting inside the home’s garage, the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jayden Everett, reportedly used a scale to weigh the jewelry before suddenly grabbing the items and attempting to flee on foot.
Police said the victim chased Everett and was able to detain him outside the home until officers arrived. During the struggle, a relative of the victim recovered the stolen jewelry.
Everett was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Lee County Jail.
He faces a charge of grand theft involving property valued between $10,000 and $20,000.
Police are reminding the public to use caution when conducting transactions through online marketplaces and to meet in well-lit, public locations whenever possible.
