Police are searching for two suspects after an online sale resulted in one person being sprayed with a noxious substance and robbed.
It happened Oct. 8 in the area of Cambridge Street North and Arlington Avenue, near Ottawa’s Centretown West neighbourhood. There was an online agreement to sell a Moose Knuckles jacket, a high-end winter coat, at the seller’s home. Two suspects attended the seller’s home for the exchange.
Police said while one suspect was trying on the jacket the other suspect sprayed the victim with a noxious substance. Both suspects fled the area on foot southbound on Cambridge Street.
The seller sustained minor injuries and was treated by paramedics on scene.
Officials are now looking for the two suspects. The first is described as a Black male in his early 20s, about 6’0” feet with a medium build. He has long stringy curly hair and a patchy beard or goatee. He was last seen wearing a dark sweatshirt, blue sweatpants and running shoes with a yellow trim.
The second suspect is described as a Black male, 25 to 30 years old and about 5’9” with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black puffy winter jacket (possible Moncler), black jeans, black running shoes with a white trim and a flat brim baseball hat.
Days after this exchange took place, Ottawa police took to social media to remind the public about the force’s safe exchange zones.
“Do not put your safety at risk by organizing the exchange at your home,” officials said.
The exchange zones can be found at the Elgin Street (via 466 Metcalfe St. visitors’ parking lot), 211 Huntmar Dr., and 3343 St-Joseph Blvd. stations. However, the zones are not monitored 24/7.
Police say at a minimum if people are doing online exchanges they should go to a well-lit, video-surveilled, public place with a friend.
Other safety tips include:
- Consult the profile of the buyer/seller to see if they have an established profile. Use caution when dealing with newly created accounts
- Check the buyer/seller’s reviews or ratings to see if there are red flags
- If the price of the item seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t proceed with the sale
- Meet during daylight hours if you’re planning to meet in person. Any last-minute changes to the location should also be considered a red flag. We recommend you walk away from the exchange rather than go to a second location
- Avoid vacant parking lots or properties when you meet with the other party
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116.