A violent confrontation during what should have been a simple online marketplace transaction has left a Perth seller with serious injuries and led to criminal charges against a 22-year-old man.
Violent Altercation Over E-Scooter Sale
The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, when a seller arranged to meet a potential buyer for the sale of an e-scooter through Facebook Marketplace. According to police reports, the meeting took place in the northern suburb of Duncraig, where the transaction quickly turned violent.
Police allege that during the encounter, the 22-year-old buyer produced a taser and deployed it directly into the seller's face. The victim, whose age has not been disclosed, suffered significant injuries from the electrical shock weapon and required medical attention following the attack.
Police Response and Charges
Western Australia Police responded to the incident and launched an investigation into the violent marketplace meeting. Their investigation led to the arrest of a man from the nearby suburb of Craigie.
The accused has been charged with aggravated armed robbery and will face the Joondalup Magistrates Court to answer to these serious allegations. The charges reflect the severity of the attack, which involved both a weapon and physical violence during what the victim believed was a routine sales transaction.
Growing Concerns About Online Marketplace Safety
This violent incident highlights the potential dangers associated with online marketplace transactions, particularly when meetings occur in private locations. Facebook Marketplace and similar platforms have become increasingly popular for buying and selling goods locally, but safety concerns continue to grow.
Police have repeatedly urged caution when conducting online marketplace transactions, recommending that sellers and buyers:
- Meet in well-lit, public locations
- Bring another person along for safety
- Avoid conducting transactions after dark
- Use designated safe exchange zones at police stations
The taser attack in Duncraig serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly routine transactions can turn dangerous quickly. As online marketplace usage continues to grow across Australia, law enforcement agencies emphasize the importance of taking basic safety precautions.
The case continues to progress through the court system, with the accused scheduled to appear before Joondalup Magistrates Court to face the aggravated armed robbery charges.
