FAYETTEVILLE, NC – A planned sale of a cell phone arranged through Facebook's marketplace turned into a robbery on Saturday, leading to the arrest of two individuals, including a juvenile, following a multi-agency response.

According to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a personal robbery report at approximately 10:38 a.m. on August 16, 2025, in the 4300 block of Matchwood Court. The victim, who had arranged to sell a cell phone, was allegedly robbed at gunpoint by the prospective buyers.

The suspects, identified as 20-year-old Antonio Neal of Fayetteville and a male juvenile, had reportedly used a fake profile to set up a meeting at the victim's residence. Upon their arrival, the suspects allegedly brandished a firearm, stole the phone from the victim's hand, and then fled the scene in a silver sedan.

The Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) was instrumental in the subsequent apprehension of the suspects. FPD officers located the getaway vehicle in the 1800 block of Catawba Street, where the suspects attempted to escape into a residence but were quickly apprehended.

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detectives executed a search warrant at the residence, seizing a rifle and a handgun. Authorities discovered that the stolen phone had already been pawned at an EcoATM.

Both Neal and the juvenile male have been charged with Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Felony Conspiracy, Obtaining Property by False Pretense, and Possession of Stolen Goods. Neal is being held on a denied bond, with a first appearance scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Cumberland County Detention Center. The juvenile is being held at a juvenile detention center and has a court appearance scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. via video conference.

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is reminding the public to use designated safe exchange zones for online transactions. They recommend using the zone located outside the detention center, which is monitored by security cameras and located near law enforcement to ensure safety.

The Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude to the Fayetteville Police Department for their assistance in the case.

Anyone with additional information regarding the investigation is urged to contact Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Detective T. Morgan at (910) 677-5563 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted electronically through the Fay-NC Crimestoppers website or the "P3 Tips" app.