What was supposed to be an online sale turned into a crime scene on April 1 when an e-commerce exchange in Orlando ended at gunpoint. Officers from the West Patrol responded to the 900 block of S. Kirkman Ave. following reports that a meeting to sell cellphones had escalated into an armed robbery.
According to police reports on Monday, the victim arrived at the location expecting to finalize a deal for several mobile devices. Instead of a fair trade, the suspect—identified by authorities as 17-year-old Gregori Castro-Santana—allegedly pulled out a firearm.
Police say Castro-Santana made off with the cellphones and $300 in cash.
The investigation moved quickly. Officers located Castro-Santana shortly after the incident and detained him. A subsequent search of his residence turned up the stolen phones and the cash, along with the handgun used in the robbery.
READ: Florida Man Faces 10 Years After Threats Target FBI Director Patel And Secretary Of War Hegseth
Upon running the serial number, investigators discovered that the firearm itself had been reported stolen in 2023.
Castro-Santana now faces a string of serious charges, including armed robbery, third-degree grand theft, and possession of a firearm by a minor.
In the wake of the arrest, the Orlando Police Department issued a blunt reminder to the public about the risks of meeting strangers for online transactions.
“Whenever possible, meet in safe, public locations or utilize designated e-commerce exchange zones for added safety,” the department advised in an official statement.
Many local police stations now offer these monitored “Safe Zones” specifically to prevent sales from turning into setup robberies.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
