Food delivery runs in south Minneapolis became an alleged robbery trap for several drivers this year, according to Minneapolis investigators. An 18-year-old is now under arrest, accused of assisting in the planning of a months-long series of armed holdups, which police claim were carried out using bogus food orders.
Aizarion Takais Demantral Campbell, 18, was detained on May 26th, according to a search warrant application filed in Hennepin County District Court. According to court papers, Campbell acknowledged the offenses and assisted authorities in identifying accomplices. He is accused of one count of aggravated robbery in connection with a pizza delivery holdup on May 24, and the warrant affidavit details six robberies in south Minneapolis and connects the suspects to a February crime in which a victim was persuaded via TikTok. According to KSTP, detectives have also obtained a warrant to inspect an Instagram account thought to belong to a juvenile accomplice, as well as to order Meta to provide erased content and location data.
Investigators believe the suspects utilized delivery apps to place bogus orders that directed drivers to select houses in south Minneapolis. When the drivers arrived and came out to finish the drop-off, they were reportedly ambushed and robbed at gunpoint.
The setup, according to investigators, requires drivers to park, walk up, and focus on making the delivery, frequently in areas with little foot activity. A similar approach based on fraudulent takeout orders was used to entice drivers in another community earlier this spring in a “Fake Takeout Trap” case in Freeport. Delivery workers and restaurants say the practice is especially dangerous since it traps drivers in perilous locations with little hope of immediate assistance.
Campbell’s aggravated robbery allegation might result in harsher punishment if a weapon is used or threatened during the theft. Under Minnesota law, first-degree aggravated robbery with a dangerous weapon or bodily harm can result in a 20-year prison sentence.
Court records show Campbell was freed from Hennepin County Jail on June 1 after paying a $20,000 bond. His next court date is set for August 13, according to KSTP.
Detectives say the investigation is still ongoing and they are seeking to identify other suspects. Minneapolis police are requesting anyone with information or video to contact the agency.
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