A 47-year-old Regina man thought he was meeting a person who was interested in buying his smart watch, but ended up the victim of an attempted robbery and an assault with bear spray.
According to police, the victim got in touch with a potential buyer for the watch over Facebook, and they arranged to meet up on Tuesday evening in the 1900 block of Robinson Street. But things turned ugly when the would-be buyer approached the victim while he was sitting in his vehicle.
The Robbery Attempt
“The potential buyer attempted to take the item without paying, and a struggle ensued,” the Regina Police Service explained in a statement. “The suspect then sprayed the driver with bear spray, and fled the scene. An area search by police was negative.”
Police said they believe the assailant used a false identity on Facebook to arrange the meeting. The police service advised those arranging sales over the Internet to use plenty of caution when meeting strangers.
Safety Tips for Online Transactions
The Regina Police Service offered the following safety tips for people conducting online transactions:
- Consider bringing along a friend and never enter an unfamiliar dwelling or private area away from public view.
- Tell a friend or family member of the meeting and the location ahead of time.
- Always bring a charged phone along in case of emergency.
This incident marks the second bear spray attack in as many days for Regina.
A Second Bear Spray Incident
In a separate but similar incident on Monday night, police were called to the same block of Robinson Street for a reported assault involving bear spray. “A male was driving southbound on the 1900 block of Robinson Street when a suspect male sprayed bear spray into his rolled down driver window,” the police service explained. “The suspect in this incident ran away. An area check by police was negative.”
Recent Regulations on Bear Spray
The provincial government announced new steps to better control the use of bear spray in March, restricting the possession of the irritant in public urban spaces and prohibiting altering the spray to disguise its identity. Anyone charged under the new regulations could face fines of up to $100,000.
A Reminder of Safety Measures
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of taking safety precautions when meeting strangers online. While online platforms offer convenience, it is crucial to prioritize personal safety. By following the tips provided by the Regina Police Service, individuals can minimize the risk of falling victim to such incidents.
The Regina Police Service is asking anyone with information on either incident to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
