A 15-year-old teen from Oshawa has been arrested and charged with multiple theft offenses after a Facebook Marketplace robbery that occurred in north Oshawa on March 23, 2026. The theft took place near the intersection of Harmony Road and Rossland Road, where the victim had arranged to sell a cell phone but was met with a robbery instead.
According to the Durham Regional Police, the victim was meeting with the suspect to finalize the sale of a cell phone when the suspect suddenly took the phone and fled. As the victim chased after the suspect, a second individual confronted him, brandishing a knife and making threats. Fortunately, the victim was not physically injured during the incident.
The investigation into the thefts revealed that the second suspect, identified as a 15-year-old male, was involved in at least three similar crimes in the area. On Friday, March 27, investigators executed a search warrant at a nearby home and arrested the teen. During the search, the knife believed to have been used in the thefts was recovered.
The teen has been charged with the following offenses:
- Four counts of theft
- Assault with a weapon
- Possession of a dangerous weapon
- Trafficking in stolen property
Despite the arrest, the first suspect in the incident remains outstanding. The police have continued their search for the individual, urging the public to come forward with any information.
Anyone with knowledge of the incident or the whereabouts of the outstanding suspect is urged to contact Detective Constable Edwards of the East Crime Team at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2732. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through the Crime Stoppers website at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
This arrest comes after a growing concern over online marketplace scams in Durham Region, particularly in Oshawa, where similar incidents of robbery and theft have been reported. The police encourage residents to exercise caution when conducting transactions with strangers online and to meet in well-lit, public locations.
In light of this recent arrest, Durham Regional Police have reminded the public to remain vigilant, especially when engaging in online transactions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with meeting strangers for sales and the importance of being cautious and prepared when using platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
