The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) is investigating an armed robbery on Wednesday afternoon that deputies say was connected to an online Facebook Marketplace transaction in Gainesville.
According to an ACSO release, Deputies responded shortly before 12:45 p.m. to the 700 block of SW 69th Street after receiving a report of an armed robbery.
According to investigators, two victims traveled to Gainesville to sell items to a person they had met through Facebook. While meeting with the buyer and displaying one of the items for sale, they were approached by two masked suspects dressed in black clothing. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun.
Detectives said the suspects forcibly took the items the victims had brought to sell before fleeing on foot in a northwesterly direction.
Investigators later determined the individual who had arranged the online transaction was also involved in the robbery and allegedly lured the victims to the location as part of the crime. That suspect also fled the scene.
ACSO believes the incident was isolated. All three suspects remain at large and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about the robbery or who observed suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident is asked to contact ACSO Detective C. Weitzel at 352-367-4161 or by email at cweitzel@alachuasheriff.org.
As online marketplace transactions continue to increase, ACSO encourages residents to take precautions when meeting unknown buyers or sellers. Officials recommend arranging exchanges in well-lit public locations, bringing another person when possible and remaining aware of your surroundings. If a transaction feels suspicious or unsafe, individuals should trust their instincts and leave the area.