A Brampton mother was seriously injured while trying to help her 12-year-old son sell a pair of high-end Air Jordans on Facebook Marketplace. Vashtie Doorga was dragged by a car for approximately 12 meters by men who stole the shoes.
The Incident
Doorga had posted an ad for a pair of Air Jordans in the “Military Blue” colorway and arranged to meet a potential buyer on June 26. When they met in a residential area, four men in a black Tesla, aged between 17 and 23, arrived to check the shoes. After handing over the shoes and the receipt, the men refused to return them and attempted to drive off.
Doorga, who uses a cane, clung to the car door but was dragged and kicked before letting go. She sustained severe injuries including internal chest injuries, road burns, crushed toes, deep tissue damage, a concussion, and a forehead cut.
Police Investigation
Peel Regional Police are investigating the incident. The alleged driver was described as wearing a grey and black Nike tech fleece sweater, black pants with “Toronto” written on them, and black foam runners. Police have not provided details about the other suspects.
Aftermath and Warnings
Doorga and her son, who started a shoe resale business to help support their single mother, have been left traumatized. Her son designed a logo and named the business “The Real Deal.” After the theft, the men blocked Doorga from viewing their Marketplace account, which remains active.
Toronto police have issued warnings about Marketplace scams, with over 500 reported incidents this year, totaling over $800,000 in damages. Facebook advises users to be cautious and provides safety tips in its “shopping safety” section.
Community Support
On his 13th birthday, a community group gifted Doorga’s son a new pair of Air Jordans. Doorga hopes sharing her story will prevent others from experiencing similar crimes.
“It took away what I worked really hard for. Everything. And I don’t want them to do this to anyone else,” Doorga said.