RCMP are warning the public about meeting with strangers met online to exchange or sell items after two St. Albert residents, in separate incidents, got hit with bear spray while making an exchange in Erin Ridge.
The two victims were meeting up to exchange electronics, according to an RCMP media statement released on May 11. The complaints were made in the same week.
The suspect in both cases was described as a young male with dark skin, curly black hair, a larger build and who was wearing a hoodie with either track pants or shorts. He had a French accent.
“St. Albert RCMP want to remind the community that St. Albert does have a ‘Safe Internet Exchange Zone’ at Servus Place, which was implemented in May, 2021,” the release says. “This safe online exchange zone was created for residents to utilize when meeting to buy and sell items online but can also be used as a safe child exchange site for parents or guardians.”
