Calgary, Alberta — A local man is sounding the alarm after a frightening incident in his home, where two assailants posing as potential buyers for a computer resorted to violence. The encounter left him and his wife shaken, and the entire event was recorded by their home surveillance cameras.
Jason, the homeowner, had posted a computer for sale on Facebook Marketplace and welcomed two buyers into his residence in the Dover neighborhood. Initially, he dismissed their covered faces as a response to the chilly weather. Inside, one of the men even appeared to act normally, removing his shoes and lowering his mask.
However, the tone of the meeting quickly turned hostile. The suspects demanded the computer “as is” and suddenly one of them sprayed Jason in the face with bear spray. Security footage later revealed a chaotic scuffle that extended from inside the home to the front yard, where Jason’s wife came to his aid.
Jason recounted his struggle: “At that moment, it was as if everything went dark. We were both screaming in agony from the burning sensation,” he said. Amidst the chaos, he could hear his wife’s cries for help, leading him to disengage from one of the attackers, who dropped the computer and fled.
Despite their actions, the assailants managed to escape after a brief confrontation. Jason and his wife sustained various injuries, including bruises over their arms and legs and wounds to their hands and feet. “The fear still lingers because they know where we live,” said Nanh, Jason’s wife. “I’m worried they might come back for revenge.”
Following this episode, Jason learned of similar occurrences in Calgary, including one that involved an elderly man in the city’s northwest. “They pushed him to the ground, and it was a dangerous situation,” Jason added.
Authorities confirmed that such incidents, while unsettling, are becoming alarmingly common. Calgary Police Inspector Jason Walker remarked on the rising trend of criminals targeting unsuspecting sellers through online platforms. “It’s troubling when these events transpire. Unfortunately, this type of crime is not limited to one area; it’s happening throughout the city,” he stated.
To combat this dangerous trend, police are advising citizens to exercise caution when engaging in transactions through online marketplaces. Recommended safety measures include meeting in well-lit public spaces, such as police station parking lots, instead of private residences, and being vigilant for any signs of suspicious behavior. “If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to cancel,” the police warned.
Jason is hopeful that sharing his traumatic experience will serve as a cautionary tale for others. “Our goal is to prevent anyone else from going through something so horrifying,” he said.