Police Release Suspect Photo After Incident Outside Local School
Police are searching for a teenage suspect after a Facebook Marketplace transaction turned into a robbery outside Tony Pontes Public School in Caledon.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Monday when the victim and the suspect met at the school after arranging to sell an iPad on Facebook Marketplace. According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), instead of completing the purchase, the suspect shoved the victim and fled with the iPad on foot. The victim was not physically injured during the altercation.
The suspect is described as a male youth between 16 and 17 years old. He is believed to be of Hispanic, Spanish, or Mediterranean descent, with curly hair that is short on the sides, and a thin moustache.
He is approximately 5’9” tall, weighs around 120 lbs, and was last seen wearing a black jacket, a black or grey hoodie, and red pants with white stripes.
Police have released a photo of the suspect and are asking anyone with information to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca. Those who provide tips to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous, do not have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.
To help prevent similar incidents, the OPP is encouraging buyers and sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace to use designated buy-and-sell exchange zones, such as those located at the Caledon OPP detachment and Peel Regional Police divisions.
Here are safety tips from the OPP for trading online:
- Meet in busy public places.
- Inspect the product in person.
- Bring a trusted friend or family member as a witness.
- Carry a cell phone in case you need assistance.
- Notify someone of your plans, especially if going alone.
- Schedule transactions during daylight hours.
- Avoid inviting strangers into your home.
- Keep all communication records, including emails, texts, and voicemails.
- Stay local and avoid wiring money or sending cheques to sellers.
- Do not share personal or banking information with strangers.
The OPP reminds the public that these precautions can help make online transactions safer for everyone.