SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery stemming from a transaction set up on social media. The suspect involved remains in jail.
Just after 3p.m. June 16, police responded to a robbery call in the 8800 block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.
After contacting the victim, officers learned that a suspect later identified as 20-year-old Brannen Ratliff had advertised a phone for sale on Facebook and arranged to meet the victim in the parking lot of that location.
Once Ratliff and victim met, he used a firearm to rob the victim of cash and then fled into a nearby apartment. Police located him in the apartment and arrested him on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery and he remains in the Sedgwick County Jail.
Police remind you to stay safe and protect yourself when purchasing items off of social media:
• Discuss transaction details before meeting: Where you’re meeting, when you’re meeting, how to contact them
• Meet in a public place: ideally a well-lit, busy area during the day. You can always meet at a police substation.
• Consider bringing a friend: This can help decrease the chances that a buyer/seller will try to rob you, and your friend can be a good witness if something were to happen
• Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, you’re probably feeling that way for a reason