Durham Regional Police are searching for a male suspect after a seller was allegedly assaulted and robbed of a sweatshirt during an online marketplace transaction in Ajax.
The Ajax Marketplace robbery happened at approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, in the area of Centennial Road and Monarch Avenue.
Police say the victim had listed a sweatshirt for sale on Facebook Marketplace and arranged to meet an individual interested in purchasing it.
When the two met, police allege the suspect assaulted the seller before taking the sweatshirt and fleeing the area.
The victim did not suffer any physical injuries.
Police search for suspect after Ajax Marketplace robbery
The suspect had not been identified or arrested when police issued their public appeal.
Police describe him as a male approximately five-foot-six with a slender build and medium-length black hair.
He is believed to be between 18 and 20 years old.
At the time of the incident, the suspect was reportedly wearing a black-and-white baseball cap, grey-and-green shirt, grey jogging pants and white slippers.
Police have released an image as investigators work to identify him.
No weapon was mentioned in the information released about the incident.
Online sale led to in-person meeting
Investigators say the interaction began online when the victim advertised the sweatshirt for sale.
The seller then agreed to meet the prospective buyer in Ajax to complete the transaction.
Police allege that instead of completing the purchase, the suspect assaulted the victim and fled with the item.
The circumstances remain under investigation, and the allegations have not been tested in court.
The incident is another reminder of the potential risks involved when strangers arrange to exchange merchandise purchased or sold through online marketplaces.
Durham police have investigated several other crimes involving online buy-and-sell transactions.
In July 2025, for example, police investigated a Pickering robbery in which a seller arranged through Facebook Marketplace to sell jewellery. Police alleged the prospective buyer later produced a handgun and fled with the item. No physical injuries were reported in that case.
Another marketplace-related robbery was reported in Whitby in August 2025 after a seller arranged to sell a microphone and suspects allegedly stole it during an armed confrontation.
Police urge caution during online transactions
Durham Regional Police have previously advised people meeting individuals first contacted online to take precautions.
Police recommend telling family members or friends where an in-person meeting will take place and arranging the exchange in a local public location.
Sellers should also consider conducting transactions in busy, well-lit locations and bringing another person when meeting someone they do not know.
Residents should avoid sharing unnecessary personal or financial information with strangers contacted online.
Police seek video and witnesses
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about the Ajax Marketplace robbery to come forward.
Police are particularly interested in cellphone video, dash-camera recordings and surveillance footage that could assist with identifying the suspect or establishing his movements around the Centennial Road and Monarch Avenue area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Obront of the West Crime Team at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1905.
Anonymous information can be provided to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The suspect remained outstanding at the time of the latest public appeal.
Anyone who recognizes the individual shown in the police image or has information connected with the July 26 incident is being asked to contact investigators rather than approaching the suspect.
