Victim Robbed at Gunpoint at Gas Station During Facebook Marketplace Deal

[caption id="attachment_55731" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Anthony James Ackerman {BSO}[/caption]

A man was arrested and charged with armed robbery after police said he pulled a gun and robbed a victim during a Facebook Marketplace meetup for a Dyson hair dryer.

According to a Coconut Creek Police Department arrest report, Anthony James Ackerman, 22, of Plantation,  was taken into custody on April 4 following an armed robbery at a Shell gas station located at 6330 North State Road 7.

Investigators say the victim arranged to meet Ackerman from Facebook Marketplace to purchase a Dyson Airwrap hairdryer for $250. When the victim and his fiancée arrived at the agreed-upon location, Ackerman allegedly exited a black Mercedes carrying a taped box but refused to show the contents when asked.

According to the report, the situation escalated when Ackerman lifted his shirt and displayed a firearm tucked into his waistband. The victim told deputies he feared for his life and handed over approximately $450 in cash before the suspect fled the scene in the vehicle.

The report shows the main break in the case was that the victim captured a photo of the suspect and the vehicle’s license plate, which was traced back to Ackerman. A BOLO was issued, and Fort Lauderdale Police later located the vehicle near I-95 and Sunrise Boulevard.

Authorities conducted a traffic stop near 1701 North University Drive in Plantation, where Ackerman was taken into custody. The victim was brought to the scene and positively identified him as the suspect, according to investigators.

Ackerman was transported to the Coconut Creek Police Department. He remains held without bond.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.

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