A 16-year-old reported being robbed at gunpoint while trying to sell two pairs of designer shoes in Charlotte, according to a police report. A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer was called to a home on Statesville Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. Oct. 2. The teen told police that someone pulled a gun and took the shoes, the report says. The stolen items were described as pink Bottega shoes and black Rick Owens shoes. No suspect information or further details about the investigation were provided. Sneaker expert Kari Daniels said sought-after brands and models can be targets for thieves. In-person sales may offer sellers a chance to get a strong price, but they do not provide the same protections as sales through certified retailers. Online resale platforms such as StockX and GOAT offer alternatives that avoid face-to-face exchanges and include product authentication services. For people who do arrange sales in person, Union County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Matthew Winfrey recommends meeting in a busy, well-lit place with security cameras. Some communities and businesses, including QuikTrip, also offer designated safe exchange locations. Winfrey advised sellers to leave if a meetup feels unsafe rather than proceed with the transaction.