Gunfire reported during attempted sale in Edgewater
Edgewater police are investigating after a Facebook Marketplace meetup at an auto shop off Hibiscus Drive turned into an armed robbery and shooting, according to reporting from WESH and statements from the victim. The incident happened in Edgewater and appears to have unfolded quickly, with surveillance video capturing part of the encounter as the suspect fled.
The victim, Nicholas Rumbolo, said he was trying to sell a one-of-a-kind gold chain valued at about $4,500 when the buyer instead pulled a gun. Rumbolo said the suspect threatened him and an employee, then ran from the business. As he got farther from the building, Rumbolo said, the suspect turned and fired multiple shots back toward the shop. Bullets struck the building and ricocheted, narrowly missing people nearby.
No injuries were reported, but the episode is the kind of violent crime that will immediately matter to Edgewater residents, especially anyone who uses online marketplaces to arrange in-person sales. The business owner told WESH that operations have returned to normal, but the shop will no longer allow Facebook Marketplace transactions at that location. That decision reflects a broader safety concern that has become increasingly common in communities across Central Florida.
The suspect reportedly escaped with the chain, and police had not released a description as of the report. The victim said he hopes the item may eventually surface at a pawn shop, where it could potentially be identified. For now, the search remains active, and residents should expect investigators to continue reviewing surveillance footage and any available witness information.
This case is also a reminder that public meetup choices matter. Residents arranging online sales should consider daylight hours, highly visible public places, and locations with cameras or nearby staff. Many law enforcement agencies also encourage people to avoid meeting alone and to be cautious with high-value items, especially jewelry, electronics, and collectibles that can be quickly resold.
For Edgewater readers, the immediate takeaway is straightforward: a routine online sale turned dangerous in a local business area, and the suspect remains at large. Anyone with information about the robbery or shooting should contact law enforcement. Until more details are released, residents may want to rethink where and how they conduct person-to-person sales arranged online.
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