Fallon Penney charged after two same-day phone snatches in Northeast Portland

Two people lost brand-new iPhones on October 15 when they met a buyer on Facebook Marketplace in Northeast Portland. The buyer, identified as Fallon Penney, is now charged with robbery and assault. She was 20 years old at the time of the incidents.

The first incident occurred in the afternoon at the Cricket Wireless store inside the Gateway Shopping Center. A man listed an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max for $1,000. He met the buyer, who used the name Alexis Gray, to complete the sale. Court records identify the buyer as Penney. She was accompanied by an unnamed man described as 6-foot-2. The seller stated that the man grabbed the phone from his hand. As the pair ran toward a car with no license plates, the seller and his father chased them. The seller said Penney sprayed his father in the face with pepper spray before both suspects fled.

The second incident happened that same evening at 9:15 p.m. at Heavenly Donuts on Northeast 102nd Avenue. A young woman met the same buyer, believing she was dealing with Alexis Gray, to sell an iPhone for $1,000. The woman said Penney and her companion took the phone from her hand. When they tried to drive away, the victim grabbed onto Penney. The driver began moving, dragging the victim along the pavement until she let go. Officers who interviewed her noticed scrapes on her face and legs.

Portland police linked Penney to the Alexis Gray Facebook account. She was arrested and indicted on two counts of second-degree robbery. She also faces charges of fourth-degree assault and unlawful use of a stun gun, tear gas, or mace. Police have not determined whether Penney’s alleged accomplice has been caught.

Wolf Traverso, a Portland resident who frequently uses Facebook Marketplace, said she limits her exchanges to public, well-lit areas like MAX stops. She also carries protection. "If you’re a female, I would suggest you not go alone and you have pepper spray," Traverso said. "Just be clear, make eye contact, stand tall. Put that energy out there that you’re not someone to mess with."