ASO investigates armed robbery connected to online marketplace transaction

Release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Shortly before 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, deputies responded to the 700 block of SW 69th Street following a reported armed robbery.

During the investigation, deputies learned that two individuals had traveled to Gainesville to sell items to a person they had met through Facebook. While the victims were meeting with the buyer and showing one of the items for sale, they were approached by two masked suspects dressed in black clothing. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun.

The suspects forcibly took the items the victims had brought to sell before fleeing the area on foot in a northwesterly direction. The individual who had arranged the transaction also fled the scene and was later determined to have been involved in the criminal activity, having allegedly lured the victims to the location as part of the robbery.

At this time, detectives believe this was an isolated incident. The three suspects remain outstanding, and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who may have information about this incident, or who observed suspicious activity in the area around the time it occurred, is encouraged to contact Detective C. Weitzel at (352) 367-4161 or by email at cweitzel@alachuasheriff.org.

As online marketplace transactions continue to grow in popularity, we encourage community members to take precautions when meeting with individuals they do not know. Whenever possible, arrange exchanges in well-lit, public locations, consider bringing another person with you, and remain aware of your surroundings. If something about a transaction feels unusual or unsafe, trust your instincts and consider ending the interaction.

This remains an active investigation. To protect the integrity of the case, no additional information is being released at this time.