North Bay police seek suspect Facebook Marketplace robbery

Facebook Marketplace is shown in the Facebook app on a phone on July 13, 2020. (File Photo/Jesse Johnston/The Canadian Press)

North Bay Police are investigating a robbery and assault that occurred during an attempted transaction arranged through Facebook Marketplace last week.

The North Bay Police Service said the incident happened on Nov. 27 between 5:30 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. in the 800 block of Jane Street.

The incident

Police said a buyer met a seller at a residence. During the meeting, the buyer took two items with an estimated value of over $10,000.

“The victim was then assaulted while attempting to intervene,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

The suspect fled the scene in a dark coloured KIA SUV, driving down Jane Street toward Gormanville Road.

Police seek public assistance

Investigators are asking anyone with video or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward.

“Your assistance is greatly appreciated and can make a meaningful difference in ongoing investigations,” said police.

Tips can be provided by calling 705-497-5555 and selecting option 5 to speak with an officer, or by calling the police service’s non-emergency line at 705-472-1234. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Safe Exchange Zones

In response to the incident, local police reminded the public of designated Buy & Sell Exchange Zones located in front of North Bay police headquarters at 135 Princess Street West.

“These spaces are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said police. release noted.

The police service encourages community members to use these monitored zones when meeting buyers or sellers from online platforms.