Bear spray used in Facebook Marketplace robbery, 1 charged

Facebook Marketplace can be seen in this file photo.

A man has been arrested and charged in connection with a robbery that happened during a Facebook Marketplace transaction on March 4, Strathcona County RCMP say.

The victim arranged to meet with the man in order to sell a laptop.

The man handed the victim with what appeared to be cash. While counting the money, the man sprayed the victim with what RCMP believed to be bear spray before taking the laptop and fleeing the scene.

Police later determined the money used during the exchange was counterfeit.

An 18-year-old Edmonton man was arrested and charged on June 15 with possession of a weapon, robbery with a weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, two counts of failing to comply, and uttering counterfeit money.

He is set to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Sherwood Park on July 10.