Irvine Police Department Press Release

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
1 Civic Center Plaza
Irvine, CA 92606
irvinepd.org

11/17/2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release #:
11-17-2017
Contact:
Kim Mohr
949-724-7112
KMohr@cityofirvine.org

Man Robbed While Trying to Sell Limited Edition Sneakers

Irvine, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2017) – Irvine Police Department Detectives are looking for two suspects who robbed an Irvine resident of a pair of tennis shoes worth at least $6,000 on Tuesday.

A male victim posted an ad on Craigslist seeking a buyer for a pair of limited edition Adidas shoes designed by music industry icon Pharrell Williams. The sneakers display the words “You Nerd” on the front. The suspect responded to the ad and agreed to buy the shoes for $6,000. Similar shoes are selling on the secondary market for up to $9,000.

The victim and suspect agreed to meet at the Irvine Market, 2540 Main Street. Upon meeting, the victim went with the suspect to his car to complete the transaction. The victim entered the backseat of the car, described as a white, four-door BMW 3 Series. As he entered the car, the victim was surprised by a second suspect, who produced a black semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at the victim.  The victim was ordered to get out of the car, at which time the suspects fled with the shoes and the victim’s cellphone.

The first suspect was captured on surveillance video inside Irvine Market. He is described as a black male in his 30s, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds. In communication with the victim, he identified himself as “Shorty.”  Suspect 2, who produced the handgun, is described as a black male with dreadlocks.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Irvine Police Department Detective Leticia Hernandez at 949-724-7245.

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