A Lackawanna College student allegedly admitted to partaking in two November robberies, but charges are still pending against a second man and Scranton police continue to investigate the identity of a third man involved.
Jihad Linney, 18, of Paterson, N.J., allegedly confessed to two robberies to Detectives James Pappas and Michael Schultz, who continue to investigate the incidents.
The first robbery took place at Monroe Avenue and Vine Street in the early morning hours of Nov. 2, when Mr. Linney and a fellow Lackawanna College student, Christopher Young, allegedly pointed a BB gun at the victim's chest and demanded money along with his cellphone. They fled toward Tobin Hall at Lackawanna College with the phone, $17 and a pack of cigarettes, according to police documents.
Detectives are preparing a warrant for Mr. Young's arrest. Police did not provide an age or an address for him.
The second robbery occurred Nov. 16 on the 100 block of Olive Street when a 14-year-old boy was attacked, choked and thrown to the ground by two men, who threatened to shoot the boy if he didn't turn over his cellphone, police said.
Police reviewed surveillance video from Tobin Hall, where Mr. Linney lives. They also said that Mr. Linney had used the cellphone taken in the second robbery multiple times for about a week after the robbery.
Mr. Linney allegedly admitted to participating in both robberies during a police interview Wednesday. He was charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and simple assault.
Arraignment and bail information for Mr. Linney was unavailable Wednesday night.
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