W. Whiteland detectives say he lured buyer then stole his money
Joseph Ciardelli
The West Whiteland Township Police Department has identified a strong-arm robbery suspect as a teenage male from West Bradford Township.
West Whiteland Police said Joseph Ciardelli, 18, of Coatesville, has been charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy in connection with a robbery that occurred in the north parking lot of the Exton Square Mall at approximately 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7. Police said investigators are still attempting to identify the driver of the vehicle in which Ciardelli fled the scene.
Police gave this account: The victim responded to a Craigslist ad for someone selling a cell phone who said that his name was “Kyle” and that he had attended Downingtown West High School. The victim agreed to meet the suspect at the Exton Square Mall to purchase the cell phone. During the meeting, the suspect grabbed the victim’s money from his hand and fled on foot to a gray vehicle parked nearby that was operated by a white female with curly hair, police said.
A surveillance image of the suspect was captured from a store inside of the mall just prior to the incident.Investigators are asking anyone that has information on the incident to contact the West Whiteland Township Police Department at 610-363-0200 or 610-692-5100. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can email tips@westwhiteland.org or leave a message on the anonymous tip line, which is 610-594-9057.
