Man assaulted during Facebook Marketplace sale, New Westminster police say

Police in New Westminster say they’re searching for a suspect who allegedly assaulted and stole from a Facebook Marketplace seller.

The victim reported he met a person at Columbia Square to sell an iPhone Monday afternoon, according to the department.

“The victim shared that he gave chase to a man who handed him counterfeit bills,” the NWPD wrote in a news release Tuesday. “The suspect then pepper sprayed the victim before fleeing the scene in a white Tesla with an unknown driver.”

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or can identify the suspect to come forward, describing him as an approximately 18- to 20-year-old white man with short brown hair who weighs about 120 pounds and is 5’5” tall.

“Theft and assault are serious matters and our officers are following up on several investigative avenues to identify the suspect,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver, in the release. “We’re encouraging anyone who has CCTV in the area to please review it and reach out to officers if they have footage of this incident.”

The NWPD also gave a reminder that selling items to strangers via online platforms like Facebook Marketplace can carry risks, and said anyone can use the department’s lobby to make a transaction.