On the evening of Friday, February 3rd, 2023, Police responded to a call for service regarding a Robbery that had occurred at a residence in Lively. Information provided was that the victim had listed a cell phone for sale on an online classifieds forum. Two individuals attended the victim’s residence in response to the ad, claiming to be interested in purchasing the cell phone. Once given the cell phone, the individuals then attacked the victim with bear spray and subsequently fled to a vehicle waiting nearby. The victim proceeded to call 911 and was treated for non-life threatening injuries by City of Greater Sudbury Paramedic Services.

Upon investigation, Police discovered the stolen cell phone re-posted for sale on an online classifieds forum. Police then made contact with the individual who posted the device.

On the afternoon of Saturday, February 4th, 2023, plain clothes officers from our Break, Enter & Robbery Unit and Patrol Operations Division arranged to meet the sellers at a predetermined location in order to “purchase” the cell phone. Upon arrival, Police recovered the victim’s cell phone and subsequently arrested a 31-year old woman and a 34-year old man. Both were taken into custody without incident.

The 31-year old woman and 34-year old man have been charged with the following offences:

  • Robbery with a Weapon
  • Administering a Noxious Thing
  • Being Unlawfully in a Dwelling
  • Weapons Dangerous
  • Possession of Stolen Property

The 31-year old woman has also been charged with Breaching a Community Supervision order.

Their names cannot be released as the information has not yet been sworn to through the court process.

We remind community members of the following safety guidelines when buying or selling items online:

  • Always meet in a public place preferably during daylight hours or in well-lit public venues. Locations which have quality video surveillance should also be considered.
  • Where possible, bring another person with you.
  • If you decide to purchase the item, use an e-transfer instead of carrying cash.
  • Do not meet the person at your home if at all possible. If the person must come to your residence to view/retrieve the item, limit the access the prospective buyer has to only the area necessary to view the item (i.e. don't let them wander around your yard or house).
  • Do not share unnecessary personal information.
  • If the deal seems too good to be true - it probably is.
Email icon Back to Search