Two Teens Busted After Fake Facebook Marketplace Meeting Ends In Robbery

Shopping online just got a whole lot more dangerous. On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, a routine e-commerce meet-up turned into a high-stakes crime scene in Simi Valley. A hopeful seller headed over to the 1500 block of Emeric Avenue at around 8:04 PM to drop off a watch, completely unaware they were walking straight into a trap.

The prospective buyer on the other end of the Facebook Marketplace listing was not there to negotiate. During the exchange, the primary suspect violently snatched the luxury timepiece by force and bolted toward a getaway car parked nearby, where a second accomplice was waiting with the engine running.

The thieves underestimated their target. The victim managed to log a detailed description of the suspects, their vehicle, and a crucial partial license plate to dispatchers while patrol units flooded the neighborhood. Thanks to the fast data collection, Simi Valley Police Department officers intercepted the vehicle and executed a high-stakes traffic stop right near Topanga Canyon Boulevard and the 118 Freeway.

The victim was brought to the location and positively identified the primary attacker on the spot. Officers recovered the stolen watch completely intact and handed it right back to the rightful owner.

The two eighteen year old suspects from Los Angeles are now trading the digital marketplace for a prison cell. Mathiew Garcia was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail for robbery and conspiracy, while his wheelman, Khamari Garnett, faces a matching felony conspiracy charge. Law enforcement officials are urging the public to always conduct digital sales in well-lit police station parking lots rather than residential streets after dark.

What the evidence shows

• The robbery happened around 8:04 PM on June 10, 2026.
• Two 18-year-old men from Los Angeles were arrested: Mathiew Garcia and Khamari Garnett.
• Police stopped the getaway car near the 118 Freeway.
• The victim identified the suspect, and police recovered the stolen watch.
• Both suspects face conspiracy charges, and Garcia also faces a robbery charge.

The Bigger Question

We often trust online profiles because they look real. But how can we safely trade goods when anyone can make a fake account?

This crime shows why we need safer public spots to meet strangers. Many police stations now offer safe zones for these exact deals.

The Other Side

Mathiew Garcia and Khamari Garnett have been booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. They have not yet given their side of the story or entered legal pleas.

Given that police found them in the getaway car with the stolen watch, the defense faces a tough road ahead.

What Happens Now

Both teens remain in jail awaiting their first court dates. The victim got his watch back, but the fear from the robbery might last a lot longer.

This event is a stark reminder for local buyers and sellers to meet in busy, bright spots during the day.

What We Still Don't Know

1. How much was the stolen watch worth?
2. Did the suspects use a fake profile to set up the meeting?
3. Were these two tied to any other recent marketplace thefts in the area?