What was intended to be a routine online transaction turned into a violent encounter in a quiet Ajax neighborhood. On the afternoon of Friday, April 3, 2026, a local resident was robbed and fired upon after a Snapchat watch sale was used as a lure by two suspects. The Durham Regional Police Service is now warning the public about the dangers of arranging high-value sales through social media apps after the victim was struck by a BB pellet during a brief struggle.
The Meeting at Delaney and Westney
At approximately 1:55 p.m., West Division officers responded to an “armed person” call near the intersection of Delaney Drive and Westney Road. The victim had utilized the social media platform Snapchat to coordinate the sale of a watch. The suspect arrived at the designated meeting spot, appearing to be a legitimate buyer.
During the interaction, the victim allowed the suspect to try on the watch. However, instead of negotiating or providing payment, the suspect began walking back toward his vehicle while still wearing the timepiece. When the victim attempted to intervene and demanded the watch back, the situation turned dangerous.
The BB Gun Robbery and Escape
The suspect brandished what appeared to be a handgun and fired several times toward the victim. It was later determined that the weapon was a BB gun. The victim was struck once by a pellet, resulting in minor physical injuries.
Following the shooting, the suspect jumped into a waiting vehicle—described by witnesses as a black SUV—which was being operated by a second unidentified suspect. The vehicle fled the scene at high speed before police could arrive. While the physical injuries were minor, the brazen nature of the daylight robbery has caused significant concern among residents in the Westney Road area.
Safety Precautions for Online Sales
The DRPS West Division Crime Team is leading the investigation and is using this Snapchat watch sale incident to remind residents of safe practices when meeting strangers for “buy and sell” transactions. Police recommend using designated “Project Safe Trade” zones, often located in the parking lots of local police divisions, which are well-lit and monitored by surveillance cameras.
Public Appeal for Footage
Detectives are currently canvassing the area for home security and dashcam footage that may have captured the black SUV or the suspects involved. If you live near Delaney Drive and Westney Road and noticed suspicious activity around 2:00 p.m. on April 3, you are urged to contact the West Division Crime Team at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1901.
Anonymous information can also be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
