Houston police are investigating a Facebook Marketplace scam involving at least 15 victims, with the suspects still at large.
According to the Houston Police Department (HPD), the suspects posted online ads for gaming consoles and sneakers. When victims arrived to complete the transactions, they were reportedly robbed at gunpoint.
One incident involved a family who thought they were purchasing a PlayStation 5. During the robbery, suspect Arlando Lyles allegedly pulled a gun on the mother while her 15-year-old son, William Bernal, stood nearby. The father remained in the car with the family’s younger children, ages 8 and 10, who hid for safety.
“When I was about to reach, he pulled out a gun,” said Bernal. “I thought he was actually going to shoot.”
Bernal explained that his mother had been in contact with the seller through extensive conversations in Spanish. They agreed to meet at an apartment complex on Cullen Boulevard in south Houston. However, when they arrived, the seller didn’t speak Spanish at all, raising suspicions for the father, Carlos Hernandez.
Hernandez admitted he felt uneasy and considered driving away but ultimately stayed. The seller demanded to see the $250 cash before allowing them to inspect the gaming console.
“I got out of the car, and my mom got out too,” Bernal recalled. “When I opened the car door, he reached into his pocket, pulled out the gun, pointed it at my mom, took the money, and ran off with the PS5.”
Hernandez, who had kept the car in gear, said he was ready to intervene if the suspect fired at his wife. As the robbery unfolded, another individual allegedly held a door open for Lyles to flee back into the apartment complex.
Police are also searching for a second suspect, identified as 18-year-old Christian Pickett. Investigators believe the duo is responsible for at least 14 other robberies across Houston.
Hernandez revealed that just one day after the robbery, his family contacted the same seller using a different account to see if he was targeting others. The seller allegedly gave them the same meeting location and wrote, “It’s cash in hand, ma’am. I’ve just had some bad experiences recently, nothing against you.”
“It just shows you can’t trust anyone online,” said Bernal.
HPD confirmed Lyles’ identity through his Facebook account and a photo lineup shown to the family.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Hernandez expressed gratitude that his family is safe and will be together for the holiday despite the harrowing ordeal.
