NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – North Miami Beach police have arrested a teenager accused of snatching a cellphone during an OfferUp transaction earlier this month.
Jaeger Bonilla, 17, faces felony robbery charges after police say he posed as a buyer of an Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max.
After the story went viral on Local 10 News, officers received a tip on Friday, advising of the identity of the thief.
“I really want to thank the news. Somebody that recognized him came forward. It was really hard for this person to move forward so I really want to thank her,” said the victim.
According to Bonilla’s arrest report, he agreed to pay $750 for the phone and the victim gave him her North Miami Beach address, so they could meet on July 13.
The victim said she felt something was off.
“There was something like off, so that’s why I said to him, ‘Can you step out of the car?’ … While I was looking through the phone he snatched the phone out of my hands. I was just in disbelief,” she said.
According to the report, Bonilla was with two other people when he stole the phone and fled in an Infiniti sedan.
As the victim attempted to stop Bonilla, the driver of the sedan ran over her foot, authorities said.
“I just want this case to be closed, be over with and I’m going to be more cautious next time. Go with someone. Never go by yourself and meet at a public place,” said the victim.
Bonilla was arrested at his home in Miami Gardens on Saturday.
He being held at the Juvenile Assessment Center without bond.