Suspects to identify in personal robbery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, October 17, 2024    9:15 am

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects involved in a personal robbery that occurred in the area of Cambridge Street N and Arlington Avenue on October 8^th.

An agreement was made online for the sale of a Moose Knuckles jacket, where the parties agreed to meet outside of the seller’s home. Two suspects attended the victim’s home for the exchange. While suspect one was trying on the jacket, suspect two sprayed the seller in the face with a noxious substance and then both suspects fled the area on foot south bound on Cambridge Street.

The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated by paramedics on scene.

Suspect one is described as a black male, in his early 20s, approximately 6’0” (183 cm), medium build, with long stringy curly hair, a patchy beard or goatee. He was last seen wearing a dark sweatshirt, blue sweatpants and running shoes with yellow trim.

Suspect two is described as a black male, 25-30 years old, approximately 5’9” (175 cm), with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black puffy winter jacket (possibly Moncler), black jeans, black running shoes with white trim and a flat brim black baseball hat.

The Ottawa Police would like to remind the public, when setting up in-person exchanges, do not put your safety at risk by organizing the exchange at your home. Instead, consider using one of the OPS’ Safe Trade Exchange Zones or, at a minimum, go to a well-lit, video-surveilled, public place with a friend.

When conducting business on an online marketplace, consider these safety tips:

• 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.

Please note that Safe Trade Zones are not monitored 24/7. Persons using the premises for Project Safe Trade are advised that the Ottawa Police Service does not assume any responsibility for any transactions or mediate the use of its premises for this purpose.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

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Through the Community Safety Data portal data.ottawapolice.ca, members of the public can view, download, and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service.

CONTACT: 

Media Relations Office

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext.  5366