Two Ottawa-area men face a number of charges for allegedly luring online classifieds users with the intention of robbing and assaulting them.



The Ottawa police robbery unit say the two overnight robberies both started with the sale of cellphones using the free classified ads website Kijiji.



On Monday night around 8:30 p.m. a man who was selling a cellphone arranged to meet a potential buyer on Gallantry Way in Stittsville. When two men arrived in a car, the victim walked up to the suspects at the curbside. When the victim passed his phone to the passenger, the driver drove off, and the victim was dragged for a short distance before falling away. The victim was treated in hospital for minor injuries and has been released.



An hour later, another Kijiji user met two men in a parking lot along Crestway Drive near Strandherd Drive. The car passenger got out to inspect phone that was for sale, then assaulted the victim with a knife.



The suspects then fled the scene.



The victim sustained a minor injury that did not need further medical attention.



A short time later, a patrol officer stopped a car on Longfields Drive and two suspects were taken in custody without incident.



Muhammad Naeem, 21, of Gatineau, and Edwin Edouard, 21, of Ottawa, face several charges, including robbery, and possession of a weapon in commission of an offence. Naeem also faces charges of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.



Investigators are concerned that there may be additional victims. The car involved is described as white Audi A4 with a Quebec license plate.



Police warn the public should take extra precaution when selling items through social media, including taking a friend along to meet the potential buyer in a public place with many people around, ideally one that is under video surveillance.



