HOUSTON, Texas — A Houston-area man saw something Thursday night he won't soon forget.
"It was a pistol with an extender," said Po Lo, 22, in an exclusive interview with KHOU. "It scared the heck out of me."
That's especially true when he said it was pointed at his chest by 17-year-old armed robbery suspect Arlando Lyles.
"When the detective showed me the pictures, I knew it was him," said Lo. "When I saw his face, I was like "wait a minute, this is him right here."
Houston Police said Lyles and 18-year-old Christian Pickett are tied to at least 15 crimes since late September at locations mostly on the south side.
The pair is accused of placing bogus offers or items on Facebook Marketplace before meeting up only to rob buyers or sellers.
"I was buying something, a PS5," said Lo.
He agreed to meet outside an apartment complex off Cullen Boulevard despite being concerned it was after dark. Lo said the supposed seller, who he thought was just 15, acted anything but innocently.
"He didn't say nothing, he didn't say, 'Hey, give me your money,'" said Lo. "He just quickly pulled out a gun and pointed at me and I gave him the money and he left."
At first, the Myanmar native who works as an EMT wasn't going to report it until he realized it may help keep others from becoming victims.
"I'm just glad I'm safe and wasn't harmed or anything like that," said Lo.
Another alleged victim lured to the same location told us he was robbed of a PlayStation, his wallet, and even a passport.
Meanwhile, HPD posted advice for folks when it comes to online marketplaces. Make sure you check out profiles and account activity to help make sure someone's legit.
And don't meet up just anywhere.
Go to a police station, if at all possible.
Call HPD or Crime Stoppers with any information about Lyles or Pickett.
