Teen up on theft charges after Facebook Marketplace transaction in Oshawa

A teenager is facing multiple charges for cell phone theft while a second suspect remains on the loose.

Durham Regional Police responded to a robbery call at 9.p.m. on March 23 near Harmony Road and Rossland Road in north Oshawa after reports of a stolen cell phone during a Facebook Marketplace transaction.

The victim had arranged to sell his phone but during the meeting the suspect took the phone and ran. When the victim chased him, a second suspect confronted him and made threats with a knife, police said.

The victim did not suffer any physical injuries.

Further investigation determined the second suspect, a 15-year-old boy, was responsible for at least three other similar incidents and on Friday, March 27 investigators executed a search warrant at a nearby home and arrested the teen. The knife believed to have been used in the thefts was also discovered.

The first suspect remains outstanding.

The 15-year-old has been charged with four theft counts, assault with a weapon, possession of a dangerous weapon and trafficking in stolen property.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the D/Cst. Edwards of the East Crime Team at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2732.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.