Ross Clothing Trip Turns Into Setup as Teen Is Robbed at Gunpoint for Backpack of Cash

by Ryan Yousefi August 26, 2026

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Titus Kamen Sainval {BSO}

A teen planning a trip to Ross for clothes was allegedly set up by a friend whose cousin later robbed him at gunpoint in Sunrise, according to investigators.

According to a Sunrise Police Department arrest report, Titus Kamen Sainval, 26, also known as “Ty,” faces a charge of robbery with a firearm as well as a probation violation stemming from a robbery police allege occurred on August 13 behind a residence in the 8600 block of Northwest 25th Street.

According to investigators, the teen had gone to a friend’s home with plans to shop for clothing at Ross. The boy told police he rode his bicycle to the residence, saw Sainval, whom he knew as his friend’s cousin, outside, and then went into the backyard to wait for his friend.

While the teen was sitting in a chair and looking at his phone, he told police he heard footsteps approaching from behind and initially believed his friend was coming outside. Instead, according to the affidavit, someone wearing a hood and ski mask pressed a handgun against the teen’s back and ordered him to remove his backpack.

The teen told investigators the gunman tapped him with the firearm and warned him, “I ain’t playing.” At that point, the boy said he recognized the robber’s voice as Sainval’s. He told police he had spoken with Sainval more than 20 times and was familiar with what he described as his distinctive voice.

The robber allegedly took the teen’s backpack, which contained about $443 in cash, before running from the backyard.

The robbery turns out to have been a set-up.

Investigators said the teen had told his friend before arriving that he planned to bring money. According to the affidavit, the friend then accidentally sent the victim a screenshot of their conversation that appeared intended for a contact saved as “Ty.” The portion of the conversation mentioning the money had allegedly been circled, and the messages were quickly unsent.

The boy did not initially report the incident to police. According to the affidavit, he first told his mother he had lost his backpack at Ross, then later revealed what had happened.

Police said surveillance video corroborated portions of the teen’s account.

Sunrise detectives located Sainval at his residence on August 19 and took him into custody. He was transported to the Broward County Main Jail, where he is held on a $25,000 bond.

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Ryan Yousefi: Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiple outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.