Police: Woman Raped in New Haven After Meeting Man Online

A Waterbury man was arrested after he allegedly raped a woman he met through an online community in New Haven on Monday.

New Haven Police were dispatched to an Edgewood Avenue address after a woman reported she had been raped shortly before 2 a.m., said Officer David Hartman, police spokesman.

The woman, who is from Massachusetts told police that a man she had corresponded with on “Tagged.” The website is described as a place to meet new people.

She was invited to the Edgewood residence by the man she’d just met. She was being led upstairs when the man reportedly pulled out a gun and raped her on the second floor landing, Hartman said.

She called 911 just minutes later and told police she believed her alleged assailant was sitll inside.

Police spotted a man that matched the assailant’s description open a door on the third floor. He closed the door upon seeing officers, Hartman said.

He eventaully opened the door and was taken into custody. Police examined the crime scene at the second floor landing, Hartman said.

Timothy Turner Jr., 26, was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault, unlawful restraint, threatening and reckless endangerment all in the first degree and second-degree breach of peace.

Turner was reportedly visiting a relative who lives in the residence.

“One should never agree to meet a stranger at a private unfamiliar location,” Hartman said. “One should scrutinize any questionable dating app or on-line site. If you use such a dating app, arrange the meeting on your terms in a public place and make sure to tell a trusted friend your intentions and always have a plan to ensure your safety.”