Windsor police have charged a 21-year-old man after an alleged robbery during an in-person phone sale arranged through an online marketplace.
Police said the incident happened shortly before 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the 2100 block of Wellesley Avenue.
Officers were initially called about a fight and learned that the victim had arranged to meet a man to sell a cellular phone advertised online.
According to the Windsor Police Service, the suspect allegedly assaulted the victim, took the phone and tried to escape on foot.
When the victim attempted to stop him, police said the man dragged her across a lawn, choked her and threatened to shoot her while claiming to have a firearm.
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Windsor police identify and arrest suspect
A neighbour reportedly heard the disturbance, chased the suspect and tried to restrain him.
Police allege the suspect struck the neighbour several times in the face.
A third person then attempted to help, but investigators said the suspect threatened to shoot both individuals before fleeing.
The suspect was wearing a face mask during the incident, police said.
Members of the Windsor Police Major Crimes Unit identified the suspect during the investigation.
Officers with the Problem-Oriented Policing Unit located and arrested him shortly before noon on Tuesday, October 20, in the 3000 block of Meadowbrook Lane.
Police identified the accused as Darcy Inshimwe, 21.
He faces charges of robbery, assault by choking, assault, two counts of uttering threats and wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
The accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Police recommend monitored meeting locations
Windsor police are reminding residents to take precautions when arranging online marketplace transactions.
The service recommends using its Safe Internet Exchange Zone at the Windsor Police Traffic Collision Reporting Centre at 2696 Jefferson Boulevard.
The location has two designated spaces for online purchases and is monitored by live video and audio surveillance around the clock, according to police.
A monitored public location can reduce the risks associated with inviting a stranger to a home or meeting in an isolated area.
Police also encourage buyers and sellers to tell someone they trust where they are going, keep communication within the marketplace platform when possible and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Anyone with information about the investigation can contact the Windsor Police Major Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, extension 4830.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Windsor-Essex County Crime Stoppers.
The case remains before the courts, and further updates will depend on the accused’s court proceedings and any additional information released by police.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Windsor online marketplace robbery?
Police allege that a phone sale arranged online escalated into an assault, choking, threats and the theft of the phone on October 17, 2026.
Who was arrested by Windsor police?
Police arrested Darcy Inshimwe, 21, on October 20, 2026.
What charges does the accused face?
He faces robbery, assault by choking, assault, two counts of uttering threats and wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence.
Where can Windsor residents safely meet for online purchases?
Windsor police recommend the Safe Internet Exchange Zone at the Windsor Police Traffic Collision Reporting Centre, 2696 Jefferson Boulevard.
Has the accused been convicted?
No. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, allegations, charges, arrest details and safety advice were checked against the Windsor Police Service news release. ([windsorpolice.ca](https://windsorpolice.ca/newsroom/news-update/2026-10-21-update-2?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: This article reports police allegations and does not determine the accused’s guilt or innocence.