UPDATE: Police say they no longer believe this incident was a robbery gone bad. CLICK HERE to read more.
CALGARY – Police say a man stabbed near the Shawnessy Shopping Centre on Sunday night was trying to sell his cellphone when he was attacked.
“It appears to be a robbery gone bad,” says S/Sgt. Jim Stinson.
Investigators believe the victim had put the cellphone up for sale on Kijiji, and was meeting with a potential buyer.
They say the victim, a man in his 20’s, was stabbed after he got into a white SUV in the parking lot around 10:30 p.m.
The victim suffered critical injuries and was driven to the South Health Campus by his girlfriend – who was with him at the time. He remains in hospital in serious, non-life threatening condition.
Police have not been able to interview the victim because of the severity of his injuries.
Police describe the driver of the vehicle as being a 19-year-old man with short hair. The front seat passenger was a man also about 19-years-old. The third passenger in the vehicle is described as about 19-years-old with black dreadlocks and wearing a black baseball cap, possibly with a star logo.
The incident has prompted a warning from police, who caution Calgarians who buy or sell items online to be very careful when setting up a meeting.
“I think we just caution people to be careful of how and where and who you’re going to meet,” says Duty Inspector Patty McCallum. “Try to make it as public as possible.”
“These things aren’t common, but they do occasionally occur,” adds Stinson.
Police say more information may be released once investigators interview the victim and have reviewed any CCTV footage in the area.
Kijiji encourages their users to follow their online safety tips when using the site, such as:
1. All transactions should be done in person;
2. Never send money electronically;
3. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is;
4. Meet in a public place with many people around, such as a coffee shop.
Kijiji Community Relations Manager Shawn McIntyre says they have been in touch with Calgary police regarding this incident, and will fully cooperate with their investigation.
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