FILE PHOTO - Police have arrested two people who they say robbed a person trying to sell them shoes after meeting them online. 

CROMWELL — Two people have been arrested for the gunpoint robbery of a man meeting them to sell sneakers that he had advertised for sale online, police say.

The male and female suspects were found in Middletown and arrested on robbery, theft and other charges, police said.

According to police, the suspects contacted the seller online and arranged to meet him in a Berlin Road shopping plaza parking lot Sunday to conduct the transaction. But the male suspect pointed a gun at the victim from inside his car while a female suspect stole the sneakers, police said.

Cromwell and Middletown police were on the case and determined the suspects' car was on Rapallo Avenue in Middletown. Officers then found evidence tying the man and woman to the holdup, police said, and placed them under arrest.

Julio Oquendo, 20, of Middletown, was charged with first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, first-degree threatening, carrying a pistol without a permit, criminal use of a firearm and criminal possession of ammunition, police said. 

Carmen Rogers, 21, also of Middletown, was charged with second-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit second-degree robbery, police said.

In addition, both Oquendo and Rogers were charged with sixth-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny and two counts of risk of injury to a minor. Sgt. Ryan Parsons declined to elaborate Monday on the risk of injury charge.

Such holdups have happened in other Connecticut communities. In July, Hamden police investigated the gunpoint robberies of people responding to what turned out to be fake listings of cars for sale posted on social media.

Parsons reminded people who carry out transactions with strangers they meet online to conduct the deal in front of the police station.

“The Cromwell Police Department has internet exchange parking spaces in front of the police department that people are encouraged to use when making transactions,” Parsons said in a news release.

Christine Dempsey may be reached at Christine.Dempsey@hearstmediact.com