Peel police say man shot during online sale meet up in Mississauga

Police in Mississauga and Brampton are asking people to take care when buying and selling goods online after shooting last week.

Around 6:30 p.m. last Thursday, Peel Regional Police (PRP) say a man was meeting with an individual in the area of Brandon Gate Dr. and Goreway Dr. in Mississauga to complete a sale arranged through a social media platform.

Police say that a suspect pulled a handgun and shot the victim during the meet up, but the man’s injuries were non-life threatening.

Police say they executed a search warrant at a residence in Toronto and recovered a loaded firearm and stolen property.

Praise Okafor, an 18-year-old from Toronto, was arrested and has been charged with numerous firearm and property related offences.

The shooting isn’t an isolated incident, as police say there has been an increase of thefts and robberies linked to online classified sales.

To help ensure a safe exchange, police are urging anyone participating in a sale or purchase through online classified websites or social media platforms to utilize Buy and Sell Exchange Zones located at all PRP divisions.

“Buy and Sell Exchange Zones provide a safer place to complete these types of transactions as they are placed in well-lit areas and are monitored by surveillance cameras,” PRP said in a statement.

Okafor was held for a bail hearing and was scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on Dec 24.

Police said the shooting investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact investigators by calling 905-453-3311 ext. 1233.

You can also contact Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously at Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.