An 18-year-old Kitchener man is facing more than 20 criminal charges after Waterloo Regional Police linked him to a month-long series of alleged online marketplace thefts and robberies targeting people selling electronic devices.
According to investigators, the incidents occurred between May 22 and June 22, during which police received reports of nine similar offences involving iPhones and iPads listed for sale through online buy-and-sell platforms.
Police allege the suspect contacted sellers posing as a legitimate buyer before arranging to meet them in person. Once the devices were handed over for inspection, he allegedly grabbed the electronics and fled without making any payment.
One of the most serious incidents took place on May 28 at a shopping plaza on Westheights Drive in Kitchener. Police allege a seller had arranged to meet the suspect after listing an iPad for sale online. When the suspect allegedly ran off with the device, two bystanders attempted to stop him.
Investigators say the suspect then produced what appeared to be a handgun, allowing him to escape. No injuries were reported during the confrontation, but the incident escalated the investigation due to the alleged use of a weapon.
Following weeks of investigation, members of the Waterloo Regional Police General Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Kitchener on July 3. Officers seized suspected stolen property along with an imitation firearm believed to have been used during the alleged offences.
The 18-year-old was arrested at the residence and has since been charged with more than 20 offences. The charges include seven counts of theft under $5,000, robbery with violence, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of uttering threats to cause bodily harm or death, attempted theft, and 10 counts of failing to comply with a judicial order.
Police believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward and are continuing to investigate the series of incidents.
Authorities are reminding people using online marketplaces to arrange transactions in well-lit public places, consider using designated community safety exchange zones where available, and avoid attending meetings alone.
The accused is expected to appear in court at a later date as the investigation remains ongoing.
