Gainesville, FL – Detectives with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office are investigating an armed robbery that they say was connected to an online marketplace transaction, with three suspects still at large.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly before 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, to the 700 block of SW 69th Street following a report of an armed robbery.
Investigators said two individuals had traveled to Gainesville to sell items to a person they had met through Facebook. While showing one of the items for sale, the victims were approached by two masked suspects dressed in black clothing. Authorities said one of the suspects was armed with a handgun.
According to investigators, the suspects forcibly stole the items the victims had brought to sell before fleeing on foot in a northwesterly direction.
Detectives also determined that the individual who arranged the online transaction allegedly participated in the crime by luring the victims to the location as part of the robbery.
Authorities believe this was an isolated incident, but all three suspects remain outstanding as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information about the robbery or who witnessed suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident is encouraged to contact Detective C. Weitzel at (352) 367-4161 or by email at cweitzel@alachuasheriff.org.
The sheriff’s office is also reminding residents to use caution when conducting online marketplace transactions. Officials recommend meeting in well-lit public locations, bringing another person when possible, staying aware of your surroundings, and leaving immediately if a transaction feels unsafe.
