Police seeking suspect in Facebook Marketplace transaction gone wrong
Posted Oct 23, 2025 11:11:16 AM.
Last Updated Oct 23, 2025 11:11:24 AM.
In a Facebook Marketplace buy-and-sell transaction, a victim tried to chase down the buyer after made off with the product without paying.
Police said they are hoping the public can help them track down and identify a suspect involved in a robbery on Oct. 11 in the 100 block of Twyford Street near the Ottawa airport. The transaction was taking place at around 10:00 p.m.
The suspect met with the seller, and when he was handed the item he ran off. The seller briefly chased the suspect but was pushed by the accused.
The victim sustained minor injuries.
Police are hoping to identify the suspect who is described as a Black man in his early 20s with a slim build and short black hair. At the time of the incident he was wearing navy pants, a white hoodie and a black sleeveless vest.
Anyone with information about the identity of this individual, or details related to this incident, is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116.
Safe trade zones
Police have reported a rise in scams such as this, which is why they created designated parking spots to allow people to meet in brightly lit areas with cameras.
Safe trade locations are located at:
- 466 Metcalfe St. (visitors’ parking lot behind 474 Elgin Street police station)
- 211 Huntmar Dr. (Kanata police station)
- 245 Greenbank Rd., Nepean (Greenbank Police Station)
- 4561 Bank St., Gloucester (Leitrim Police Station)
- 3343 St-Joseph Bvld. (Orleans police station)
Safe trade locations are marked with a blue logo in these locations.
Despite the presence at police stations, officials remind the public that these spaces are not police-monitored and police are not responsible for mediating the use of these spaces.
They are designed to move transactions away from secluded parking lots or private residences.
