Toronto police are investigating after a man says a prospective buyer stole his electric scooter during an in-person sale that was caught on camera earlier this week.
Officials confirmed to CTV News Toronto that they received a report of the incident and are investigating after the victim arranged to sell the scooter through an online marketplace before meeting the buyer Tuesday evening near Jane Street and Finch Avenue West.
The video, which has since gone viral across multiple social media platforms, appears to show the buyer approaching the seller before asking for a test ride and instructions on how to operate the scooter.
Moments later, the buyer can be seen riding across the gas station parking lot before speeding away as the seller chases after him on foot.
The suspect is then seen crossing several lanes of live traffic and weaving through pedestrians along a busy sidewalk while the victim repeatedly yells for help from people nearby.
“Help me, my scooter was stolen,” the victim yells.
At one point, the victim can also be seen attempting to call 911 as he continues pursuing the scooter.
The chase lasts roughly two-and-a-half minutes before the victim eventually stops running.
Police investigation underway
Police confirmed to CTV News that the victim did list the scooter for sale on an online marketplace before being contacted by someone interested in purchasing it.
According to investigators, the victim attended the agreed-upon meeting location at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday, where the buyer asked to test ride the scooter before allegedly riding away with it.
“I can confirm that we have received a report of this incident and it is being investigated,” a police spokesperson said in a statement.
Police did not identify the individual shown in the video as a suspect or release a description of the person investigators are looking for.
CTV News Toronto has reached out to the Facebook user who posted the original video for additional information but has not yet received a response.
