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Facebook sneaker trade linked to armed robberies

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Police are investigating two armed robberies associated with a sneaker-trading group on Facebook. One of the victims, a 14-year-old, attended Duluth High School. The Facebook group is called "Gwinnett Sneakerheads" and police say the thieves targeted two Facebook members, both trying to sell their shoes.

According to a police report, the 14-year-old victim was trying to sell his Jordan Six Gold Moments shoes, and someone else on Facebook offered to pay $280 for them. When the victim met the other Facebook users at an apartment complex in Lawrenceville, "The victim stated the male with the gun, put the gun to his forehead," and robbed him of the sneakers, according to the police report.

Police arrested 17-year-old Tyrese Watkins and a 16-year-old in connection with the robbery.

Several students tell Channel 2's Rachel Stockman that sneaker selling and trading is very popular at local high schools, and even middle schools.

"If you don't have the big sneakers, the popular ones, you get bullied," said Dasia Mosely, an 11-year-old at Duluth Middle  School.

"It is very scary, and she also asked for Jordans for Christmas . Now everyone wants Jordans at this point," said Shonta Mosely, a parent said.

Police say another victim was robbed near the Jenny Mart on Club Drive in Lawrenceville.

"Things were going normal, the kid asked for the shoes and I showed it to him, then he just took off running. I chased after him," said the victim, who didn't want to be identified. "At the point where I was about to catch up with him, he noticed, so he turned back and pulled a gun on me."

Police say the same 16-year-old is involved in both crimes.