A seemingly ordinary Saturday afternoon in Calgary shattered for one couple when a simple online sale turned into a terrifying ordeal. Jason Nguyen and his wife, Nanh Au, found themselves the victims of an attempted robbery, a stark reminder of the risks lurking beneath the convenience of online marketplaces.
Nguyen had listed a laptop for sale and arranged for two men to view it at his home. He’d successfully completed similar transactions before, believing it reasonable for potential buyers to want to test the device. Everything initially appeared normal, a routine exchange unfolding in his living room.
A growing unease crept over Nguyen as the men, instead of examining the laptop’s functionality, requested he pack it up for them. The request felt illogical, a red flag waving in the midst of a seemingly harmless transaction. His instincts screamed something wasn’t right.
The moment Nguyen turned to box the laptop, a searing wave of pain exploded across his face. One of the men unleashed a blast of bear spray, plunging the room into chaos. The intended buyers revealed their true intentions with brutal swiftness.
Dragged outside, Nguyen desperately clung to one of his attackers, the burning spray blinding him. He was consumed with fear, not for himself, but for his wife, Nanh Au, who had rushed to the scene after hearing the commotion. Was she safe? Had they reached her?
Au’s frantic cries confirmed she was unharmed, standing behind him. With that knowledge, Nguyen released his grip, hoping the nightmare was over. But the attack wasn’t finished. One of the men brazenly re-entered the house, searching for a dropped phone.
Au, fueled by adrenaline and a fierce protectiveness, grabbed a shovel from the yard and confronted the intruder. Together, she and Nguyen forced the man back outside, turning the tables on their attackers with a desperate act of courage.
Nguyen downplayed his own fear, stating his only concern was for Au’s safety. He reacted instinctively, driven by the need to protect his wife. Au, however, was deeply shaken, haunted by the terrifying experience and struggling to sleep.
The couple were fortunate the attackers were armed only with bear spray, suffering only minor injuries despite the violent encounter. The burning sensation lingered for over 24 hours, a painful reminder of the ordeal they had endured.
This incident isn’t isolated. Police report a surge in similar crimes, particularly during the holiday season when online buying and selling increases. Nguyen’s decision to share footage of the attack online has already led to others coming forward with similar experiences, recognizing the same individuals.
Investigators are working to determine if the men are repeat offenders, examining the online profile they used – likely a fake account. The Calgary Police Service emphasizes the importance of caution and urges people to avoid meeting strangers at their homes.
Police recommend conducting transactions in safe, public places, even offering the use of police station parking lots for added security. The incident serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers of online marketplaces and the need for vigilance.
Anyone with information regarding this attack is encouraged to contact the Calgary Police Service or Crime Stoppers, helping to prevent others from becoming victims of similar crimes. The couple’s experience is a stark warning: convenience can come at a cost, and safety must always be the priority.
