Three teens were arrested and charges have been recommended against them following what police describe as a "violent" robbery during the sale of high-valued Pokémon cards.
Vancouver Police (VPD) were called about the robbery in progress near East King Edward Avenue and Ontario Street around 8 pm Wednesday.
According to the VPD, the incident began as a Facebook Marketplace sale of two Pokémon cards valued at $7,000 each.
However, the youths purchasing the cards allegedly bear-sprayed the man selling them and took off in a vehicle.
The suspects were arrested after being intercepted by VPD officers in Burnaby and were released from jail this morning with conditions.
Police are recommending criminal charges against two 15-year-old boys and a 16-year-old boy in connection to the incident.
“It’s a reminder that if you are planning on buying, selling or trading items with someone you don’t know, use our Safe Exchange location,” explained Cst. Darren Wong.
“It’s right outside the front door of our headquarters at 2120 Cambie St. and can help ensure your safety during these transactions.”
This isn’t the first Pokémon card-related robbery to take place in Vancouver this spring, as officers set up a sting to arrest a man on March 27 after he allegedly robbed several people while meeting up to complete online sales.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of Unsplash.
