Sherwood Park iPhone Sellers Targeted in Facebook Marketplace Robberies; RCMP Say Bear Spray Used, No Arrests Yet

Strathcona County RCMP are investigating two reported robberies tied to Facebook Marketplace meetups in Sherwood Park, where sellers reported thieves stole iPhones—including one incident in which police say a suspect deployed a “bear spray type substance.” As of Dec. 29, 2025, there have been no arrests and no suspects publicly identified beyond descriptions released by Mounties.

The Atmosphere: A Routine Sale Turns Into a Police File

The image associated with the case shows the gold-and-blue badge of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on a dark uniform—an emblem that, in moments like these, signals both authority and urgency. While the meetups happened away from the detachment, the case has the familiar feel of nighttime tension: strangers meeting over a high-value item, a quick handoff, then the sudden realization that a “buyer” has come prepared to run—or to escalate. The RCMP badge, with its crown and the motto “Maintiens le droit,” underscores what investigators are now trying to do: establish facts fast, identify the suspects, and prevent a repeat.

Official Accounts: What RCMP Say Happened

According to police, the two incidents occurred on Tuesday night in Sherwood Park. Investigators believe the same group is responsible for both robberies.

First incident (around 8:45 p.m.): RCMP say a suspect met a person selling an iPhone at a Sherwood Park business. Police allege the suspect grabbed the phone box and ran to a vehicle where three other suspects were waiting.

Second incident (shortly after): RCMP say the same suspect met another iPhone seller—this time at the victim’s Sherwood Park home. In that encounter, police allege the suspect deployed a “bear spray type substance” at the victim, stole the phone, and fled. RCMP say the victim is expected to recover.

The primary suspect is described by RCMP as a man in his late 20s, approximately five-foot-seven, with a moustache and facial hair. Police say three additional suspects were in an older model, four-door black Nissan, and all three were wearing blue masks.

An intelligence review of available public updates indicates the investigation remained active through late December, with no additional RCMP news releases beyond the initial details and no publicly released victim identities or further medical updates.

Community Shocked by Violence

Residents reacting online expressed a mix of disbelief and renewed caution about buying and selling items through social platforms—especially when expensive electronics are involved. Posts circulating on social media and local forums highlight concern that what once felt like a routine exchange can turn into a robbery in seconds.

“Another FB Marketplace scam in Sherwood Park? Stick to police safe zones people!”

“Bear spray on a seller? Sherwood Park isn’t safe for these deals anymore.”

Those reactions land at a time when police agencies across Canada have repeatedly warned about criminals using online listings to identify easy targets carrying cash or high-value devices. A research summary referencing preliminary metro-area figures suggests robberies have been rising in parts of the Edmonton region year over year, and that online-transaction thefts—particularly involving popular smartphones—are a recurring pattern. While the exact numbers can vary by reporting method and time period, the takeaway echoed by many residents is consistent: Marketplace meetups can create predictable “appointment crimes” where suspects control the time, place, and risk.

RCMP have urged people to change that dynamic by meeting in controlled, public locations. In this case, Strathcona County RCMP specifically pointed residents to the detachment’s Safe Exchange Zone.

“This safe exchange zone aims to provide a secure environment for residents to conduct online transactions, child custody exchanges, and any other lawful transactions that require a safe meeting place,” said Staff Sgt. Ally Blue in a release, describing it as a neutral, well-lit option intended to reduce the risk of criminal activity.

• Meet at a Safe Exchange Zone or another police-adjacent, camera-covered public site.
• Avoid home meetups for high-value items, especially electronics.
• Bring a friend and tell someone where you’re going and who you’re meeting.
• Watch for red flags like rushed messages, last-minute location changes, or unwillingness to verify identity.

What’s Next: Investigation Continues, Witnesses Sought

With no arrests announced, investigators are likely working to identify the vehicle and suspects through surveillance footage, witness statements, and any digital trails associated with the Marketplace accounts used to set up the meetings. Police have not said whether they believe the incidents are connected to other similar reports in the region, but the proximity in time and the shared suspect description have led RCMP to treat them as linked.

RCMP are asking anyone with information—particularly those who may have seen an older black four-door Nissan near the meetups or noticed suspicious activity around the times described—to contact Strathcona County RCMP. People who wish to remain anonymous can also provide tips through Crime Stoppers in their jurisdiction.

For residents continuing to buy or sell through Facebook Marketplace, RCMP’s message is straightforward: choose a secure meeting point, reduce predictability, and prioritize safety over convenience—because, as this week’s reports show, a simple iPhone sale can quickly become a violent theft.