Police are investigating after a Facebook Marketplace iPhone sale turned violent near a Metro Vancouver shopping centre.
The incident occurred on July 7 at approximately 5:20 p.m. in New Westminster, at Columbia Square, a highly visible commercial area featuring grocery stores and restaurants. Police say the victim was meeting the buyer at 1001 Columbia St.
According to the New Westminster Police Department, the victim was handed counterfeit bills by a man, and after realizing it, the victim gave chase to him.
“The suspect then pepper-sprayed the victim before fleeing the scene in a white Tesla with an unknown driver. Detectives are now asking the public to come forward if they witnessed this or if they have CCTV of the suspect vehicle.”
A description of the suspect suggests he was around 18 to 20 years old, caucasian, with short brown hair. He weighs approximately 120 pounds, is 5’5″, and was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black runners at the time of the incident.
“Theft and assault are serious matters, and our officers are following up on several investigative avenues to identify the suspect,” said Sergeant Andrew Leaver in a statement. “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 department is sharing this information in the hope that people will be more aware during marketplace transactions like this one. The department is also offering its headquarters as a secure space to facilitate these transactions.
“Officers would like to remind residents that transactions on sites like Facebook Marketplace do carry some degree of risk. Anyone is welcome to use the lobby of the New Westminster Police Department, which is monitored by CCTV, as a location for their transaction.
Police investigate after theft and assault following Facebook Marketplace sale. https://t.co/QE6lFtoA4s pic.twitter.com/C12p3aqM5Z
— New Westminster Police Department (@NewWestPD) July 8, 2025
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