Key Takeaways
- A 17-year-old has been charged with robbery and assault with a weapon after a Facebook Marketplace diamond-ring sale in Hamilton on August 16.
- Police say the seller was dragged from her vehicle and sprayed in the face with what investigators believe was bear spray after a payment appeared to be sent but never arrived.
- Anyone with information is asked to contact Hamilton Police at 905-546-3821.
She Went to Sell a Diamond Ring. She Was Dragged From Her Car and Sprayed in the Face.
She had a diamond ring to sell. The buyers appeared to send the money. Then, when she refused to hand over the ring, police say she was dragged from her car and sprayed in the face.
What started as a Facebook Marketplace meetup in Hamilton ended in violence — and now a teenager is facing robbery and weapons charges.
On August 16, 2026, the woman arrived at the Tim Hortons at 620 King Street West to sell her diamond ring. She met two suspects, agreed on a price and watched as one appeared to send an electronic payment.
Except the money never arrived.
When one suspect tried to take the ring anyway, she refused to let go. Police say she was dragged from her vehicle and sprayed in the face with what investigators believe was bear spray.
The Charges
Hamilton Police's Division 10 Criminal Investigation Division investigated the robbery and arrested a 17-year-old male.
He faces four charges:
- Robbery
- Assault with a Weapon
- Possession Contrary to Order
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
The accused cannot be named because he is a young person.
Police have not said whether the diamond ring was recovered.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call 905-546-3821.
The Twikup Take
The frightening part isn't just the violence. It's how an ordinary online sale turned dangerous over a payment that never arrived.
The lesson for anyone selling on Facebook Marketplace: a payment that appears to have been sent is not the same as money in your account.
A public, camera-covered meeting spot can offer some protection. Police services across Ontario also operate safe-exchange zones for these transactions.
Before handing over anything valuable, verify the payment yourself. A screenshot or apparent transfer is not proof that you've been paid.
The charges have not been proven in court.
Image: Illustrative image.