Police seek public help after two armed Marketplace robberies
Ottawa police announced Wednesday they are investigating two armed robberies that occurred during in-person transactions arranged through Facebook Marketplace, the second taking place within four days of the first. Both incidents underline growing concerns about safety when completing online marketplace transactions in the city.
The first incident occurred on Sunday evening in the Barrhaven neighbourhood near Berrigan and Beatrice drives. Police say a suspect produced a handgun and took an item from the victim after the pair had arranged a sale online. Investigators are asking anyone with video footage from the area taken between 7:30 and 8 p.m. to contact the Ottawa Police Service's robbery unit.
About 15 hours later and roughly seven kilometres away, a separate, similar incident unfolded in Manotick. In that case, police say a male suspect pointed a firearm at the seller and attempted to rob them. Two shots were fired during the altercation but no one was struck by gunfire.
Authorities said three people — the seller, a security guard and an off-duty police officer — detained the suspect until emergency responders arrived. Police later identified the suspect as a young offender, who sustained minor injuries and remains under investigation. The Ottawa Police Service said both robberies are being investigated and declined to comment on whether the two incidents are connected.
What police are asking from residents
Investigators have appealed to the public for assistance, especially from anyone who may have dash-cam or doorbell footage from the Barrhaven area during the specified time window. Police emphasis on video evidence reflects the difficulty of tracing suspects in swift, targeted robberies that occur during short, planned encounters.
- Where: Barrhaven (Berrigan and Beatrice drives) and Manotick
- When: Sunday evening (Barrhaven), and about 15 hours later in Manotick
- What: Firearm produced in both incidents; two shots fired in Manotick with no injuries from gunfire reported
Local context and concerns
Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace are commonly used by residents across Ottawa to buy and sell goods locally. While most transactions proceed without incident, policing experts and community members have long warned about risks tied to meeting strangers, particularly when sellers bring valuable items to meet on short notice.
These recent incidents are likely to increase calls within neighbourhoods for safer meeting locations, such as well-lit public places or police station parking lots that many forces across Canada have designated as safe exchange zones. The Ottawa Police Service did not specify whether it operates such a formal program, but investigators asked the public to report any relevant video or information to aid their inquiries.
City residents who regularly buy and sell items online were reminded by community groups to consider precautions: meet during daylight hours, bring a friend, avoid isolated locations and, where possible, arrange transactions in public spaces with security camera coverage.
| Incident | Location | Timing | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrhaven robbery | Berrigan and Beatrice drives | Sunday evening; request for footage from 7:30–8 p.m. | Item taken after suspect displayed handgun; investigation ongoing |
| Manotick robbery | Manotick (mid-morning) | ~15 hours after Barrhaven incident | Two shots fired; no gunshot injuries; young offender detained with minor injuries |
Ottawa police continue to investigate both files. Anyone with information, dash-cam or doorbell footage relevant to the Barrhaven incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service's robbery unit.
