STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — A Stuart man was arrested after police said he tried to sell a stolen electric bicycle on Facebook Marketplace — only to be met by officers instead of a buyer.
According to the Stuart Police Department, the case began on March 14, 2026, when a Stuart resident reported that his $1,200 electric bicycle had been stolen during a burglary at his home.
About a week later, police said the victim was browsing Facebook Marketplace through Messenger when he came across what he believed was his stolen e-bike listed for sale. The victim contacted Stuart police and told officers he had already arranged to meet the seller to buy the bike back, according to the department.
Police said officers then stepped in and developed a plan to safely recover the bicycle.
When the seller arrived at the meeting spot, officers were already there waiting, police said. Investigators said 25-year-old Derrick Mike of Stuart showed up riding the stolen e-bike and was taken into custody instead of completing the sale.
A man’s electric bike was stolen in a burglary. The victim alerted Stuart Police, who arrested Derrick Mike when he brought the bike to an arranged sale through Facebook Marketplace. (Stuart Police)
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Mike was charged with dealing in stolen property, unlawful use of a two-way communications device and grand theft, according to police.
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The Stuart Police Department said the case is a reminder for people not to try to recover suspected stolen property on their own. Instead, anyone who finds property online they believe belongs to them should contact law enforcement.