Gainesville Police investigating armed robbery of online Marketplace clothing sale

The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) is investigating an armed robbery that occurred Tuesday evening after a victim arranged to sell clothing to individuals she met online.

According to a GPD release, officers responded at approximately 5:40 p.m. to the 2300 block of SW 39th Way, where the victim reported being robbed while attempting to complete the sale.

According to the preliminary investigation, the victim arrived at the agreed-upon meeting location to sell clothing when she was approached by two unknown Black male suspects, both dressed in black clothing. The suspects displayed a firearm and demanded the victim’s clothing items and money before fleeing the area on foot.

A Gainesville Police Department K-9 team responded and tracked the suspects’ path, recovering a bag containing some of the stolen clothing. Despite an extensive search, officers were unable to locate the suspects.

Anyone with information about the robbery is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of North Central Florida. Tipsters may remain anonymous by calling 352-372-STOP (7867), using the Crime Stoppers P3 Tips mobile app or visiting www.stopcrime.tv. Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

The incident occurred days after three suspects committed an armed robbery of two victims over a Facebook Marketplace sale on SW 69^th Street on July 22. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office arrested one suspect, 18-year-old Dewayne McAllister III, believed to have been involved in the robbery on July 24.

GPD is also reminding residents to take precautions when buying or selling items through online marketplaces, including:

• Meet in a well-lit, public location.
• Bring another person with you whenever possible.
• Trust your instincts and leave immediately if a situation feels unsafe.