WINNIPEG – Social media and other Internet sites offer a world of online trading and shopping opportunities. However caution and care, and standing by that old adage if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
That point was demonstrated in Winnipeg. On Tuesday, April 23, 2019, the Winnipeg Police Service received reports of several robberies that had occurred to sellers of an online classified service.
At approximately 5:30 pm, two male suspects attended to an arena in the Valley Gardens area to meet with an 18-year-old male who was selling clothing online. One suspect produced what was described as a firearm, and the 18-year-old was robbed.
At approximately 5:50 pm, two male suspects attended a mall in the Saint Vital area to meet with an 18-year-old male who was selling shoes online. The 18-year-old was subsequently physically assaulted and robbed.
At approximately 6:30 pm, two male suspects attended the Exchange District area to meet with a 25-year-old male who was selling a watch online. One suspect produced what was described as a firearm, put the gun to the 25-year-old’s head and fired several shots. The victim was then physically assaulted before he was able to run away and was later transported to a hospital.
At approximately 7:15 pm, two male suspects attended an apartment block in the Valhalla area to meet with a 27-year-old male who was trading shoes online. One suspect produced what was described as a firearm, struck the 27-year-old in the head multiple times. He was then robbed.
At approximately 7:55 pm, a Central District General Patrol unit located a suspect vehicle in the area of Lagimodière Boulevard and Grassie Boulevard. The vehicle was stopped a short time later and Tactical Support Team members, with the assistance of General Patrol units, took the four occupants into custody. A .177 calibre BB air pistol was seized from within the vehicle.
Members of the Major Crimes Unit continued with the investigation.
A 17-year-old male of Winnipeg has been arrested for:
– Armed Robbery using a Firearm (x3)
– Robbery
– Aggravated Assault
– Discharge a Firearm with Intent
– Pointing a Firearm (x2)
– Possession of a Weapon (x3)
– Carrying Concealed Weapon Prohibited Device or Ammunition (x3)
A second 17-year-old male of Winnipeg has been arrested for:
– Armed Robbery using a Firearm (x3)
– Robbery
– Pointing a Firearm
– Possession of a Weapon
– Carrying Concealed Weapon Prohibited Device or Ammunition
Two individuals were released without charge.
While the vast majority of transactions from online classified sites are conducted safely; there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
– Never meet someone alone.
– Meet in a public place with many people around. Avoid meeting in areas that you are unfamiliar with.
– If possible, meet during daylight hours.
– Survey the area. If things don’t look or feel right, make alternative arrangements.
– Keep a mobile phone nearby.
– Exchange phone numbers beforehand, but do not provide your personal information beyond your name.
– Use common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
