A 24-year-old Airdrie resident was arrested earlier this week after a Calgary resident reported he had been robbed when he had attempted to privately purchase a used vehicle in Airdrie.

According to Mounties, on August 6, 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 fled on foot. Police were able to identify the suspect through the online advertisement. With assistance from the public, police were able to identify the suspect’s residence," a police release stated.

During a search of the suspect’s residence, police recovered a CO2 pistol. Jesse Brandon Balzer has been charged with Robbery with a firearm, Possession of a concealed weapon, as well as possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.

"The Airdrie RCMP would like to thank residents who assisted with the investigation and remind residents to exercise caution when purchasing items online"

Balzer was brought before a Justice of the Peace where he was released by way of a release order with conditions. He is to appear in Airdrie at the Alberta Court of Justice on August 24.

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