Williamsport, Pa. – Two 16-year-old boys are facing serious felony charges after authorities say they robbed a confidential informant during what was supposed to be an illegal gun sale in Williamsport. Investigators allege the deal was arranged online, monitored by police, and ended with a handgun pointed at the informant and $400 stolen.
Incident Overview
According to police, the robbery happened when a confidential informant working with narcotics investigators attempted to buy a firearm from a teenager they had contacted online. Instead of completing the transaction, one of the teens allegedly pulled a gun and threatened the informant before fleeing the scene with the cash.
Both suspects are now being charged as adults and remain jailed after a judge set high monetary bail.
Timeline of Events
Police said the informant first made contact with Jaheed Wright, 16, of Williamsport, through Snapchat. After initial messages, Wright allegedly provided a phone number to continue the conversation and agreed to sell a firearm.
Once the meeting was arranged, Wright reportedly changed the phone number again, and the two sides agreed to meet near Second Avenue and High Street. Investigators set up surveillance and equipped the informant with recording equipment before the meeting took place.
When Wright and Majestic Joyner, 16, of Williamsport, arrived, both were dressed in black clothing and entered the informant’s vehicle. Wright sat in the front passenger seat, while Joyner took the backseat.
Details From Police and Officials
Detective Dustin Kreitz of the Lycoming Narcotics Enforcement Unit told the court that the informant handed Wright $400 in cash moments after the teens entered the car.
“Wright then pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the informant, telling them, ‘you’re burnt,’” Kreitz testified.
Investigators said Joyner was also armed, allegedly concealing a 9mm handgun in his pocket during the encounter. Both teens then exited the vehicle and walked away from the scene.
Because of the angle and concealment, detectives could not clearly see the firearm on the recording device, Kreitz said. Officers contacted the informant shortly after the suspects left and confirmed the robbery had occurred.
Arrest and Seizure of Weapons
Detectives tracked the teens to the area of Campbell and Louisa Street, where officers approached them and identified themselves. Both boys immediately fled on foot, prompting a short chase through the neighborhood.
Wright was eventually stopped in the 800 block of Rural Avenue. Police say he attempted to pull out his gun during the arrest but was quickly restrained by officers.
Authorities recovered two handguns, both of which had obliterated serial numbers, a factor that significantly increases the severity of the charges.
Additional details of the investigation were outlined during the preliminary hearing, as reported by local court coverage from the Williamsport area and summarized in court records referenced by regional reporting outlets such as the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Both Wright and Joyner are facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including:
- Robbery
- Simple assault
- Carrying a firearm without a license
- Possession of a firearm by a minor
- Possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer’s number
- Criminal conspiracy
Despite being 16 years old, both suspects are being charged as adults.
All charges were approved for trial by Judge Aaron Biichle during the preliminary hearing. During an earlier court appearance, Judge Gary Whiteman denied bail entirely. On Tuesday, Judge Biichle modified the decision, setting bail at $150,000 monetary, with no 10 percent option.
Additional Context on Gun Crimes Involving Minors
Law enforcement officials continue to warn about the growing involvement of juveniles in illegal firearm activity, particularly transactions arranged through social media platforms. Investigators say online messaging apps make it easier for illegal gun sales to occur quickly and anonymously, increasing risks for both buyers and the public.
Cases involving altered serial numbers also raise red flags for authorities, as such weapons are harder to trace and are often linked to more serious criminal activity.
Conclusion
What began as a controlled police operation ended with two armed teenagers accused of committing a robbery while under surveillance. With both suspects now facing adult charges and high bail, the case highlights the dangers associated with illegal gun sales and the role social media can play in facilitating violent crimes.
If you have concerns about illegal firearms in your community or have encountered suspicious online activity, authorities encourage reporting it to local law enforcement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
