FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — New details are emerging in a Facebook Marketplace meetup that turned violent in Fort Pierce, as investigators confirm the shooting was an ambush-style attack and law enforcement urges residents to rethink where they meet strangers online.
The shooting happened around 1:15 p.m. Sunday on the 3600 block of Avenue R, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office (SLCSO).
Detectives say an individual arrived at the location to complete an online transaction involving an iPhone, but the encounter quickly escalated into gunfire. Four people were shot and transported to HCA Lawnwood Hospital.
Deputies say two of the victims underwent surgery Sunday, while two others required surgery Monday. All four are expected to make a full recovery.
Four people were shot Sunday afternoon after an online marketplace transaction turned into a violent ambush in Fort Pierce. (SLCSO)
Investigators believe at least five people were involved. One person remains at large, though deputies have not clarified that individual’s role.
“This wasn’t a random thing,” Undersheriff John Bolduc said. “This was a robbery of a transaction gone bad.”
As detectives worked through the night, crime scene technicians recovered approximately 30 shell casings and two firearms from the scene. Investigators also executed a search warrant at a nearby home on North 37th Street, where they believe one of the shooters fled. Inside the residence, deputies recovered additional firearms, including one that may have been used in the shooting.
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Bolduc said the investigation continues to evolve as new evidence is uncovered.
“We’re still finding shell casings in the grass around that particular area,” he said. “As it evolves, we keep finding different rabbit holes.”
Neighbors say the violence is unsettling — especially given how routine online marketplace meetups have become.
“It’s actually unfortunate that everything happened, because I use Facebook Marketplace a lot,” one neighbor said. “You never really know.”
Authorities say incidents tied to online transactions are not isolated. Just months ago, Riviera Beach police arrested a man accused of robbing a seller at gunpoint, stealing a $10,000 Cartier watch during a Facebook Marketplace meetup.
In response to Sunday’s shooting, deputies are again urging residents to use Safe Exchange Zones when buying or selling items online. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office offers designated parking spaces outside its headquarters that are open to the public and monitored by 24-hour video surveillance. (WPEC)
In response to Sunday’s shooting, deputies are again urging residents to use Safe Exchange Zones when buying or selling items online. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office offers designated parking spaces outside its headquarters that are open to the public and monitored by 24-hour video surveillance.
“If you’re going to do a transaction with people that you don’t know, go to a safe location,” Bolduc said.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact SLCSO.