AIRDRIE: The Airdrie RCMP has laid charges following a hold-up attempt in Bayview on Aug. 6.
According to police, a Calgary resident reported he had been robbed after attempting to privately purchase a used vehicle in Airdrie that day. The buyer responded to an online advertisement and agreed to meet the seller in Airdrie’s Bayview community.
When the buyer and seller met, the seller produced a firearm and demanded the buyer’s money. The buyer fled the area and contacted police. The suspect also fled on foot.
Police were able to identify the suspect through the online advertisement, and were eventually able to track the suspect to his residence with the assistance of members of the public. The subsequent police search turned up a CO2 pistol.
Jesse Brandon Balzer, 24, of Airdrie, has been charged with robbery with a firearm, possession of a concealed weapon, and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.
Balzer was released with conditions and will return to Alberta Court of Justice on Aug. 24 to answer to the charges.
Following the incident, the Airdrie RCMP reminded the public to always exercise caution when purchasing items from buyers online.
