Dallas Robbers Used Grindr App To Lure Victims, Police Say

DALLAS, TX — Police in Dallas have arrested a 17-year-old they say was involved in a string of robberies and assaults against gay men. Those responsible for the incidents used the gay dating app, "Grindr," to lure the victims into a vacant apartment in the 8000 block of Chariot Street. Three to five other men are suspected of involvement in the incidents.

The 17-year-old was arrested on charges of Aggravated Robbery. He is described as a Latino male, but his identity has not been released. He is being held in Dallas County Jail.

Police report four assaults occurred Tuesday, Dec. 12, but that three other robberies have occurred in the same area since Dec. 7. Each of the victims was lured to the area on Grindr.

Investigators looking into the incidents say three to five other males were involved in Tuesday offense. Those suspects are described as black males. It's unknown if the 17-year-old suspect was involved in the assaults that occurred before Tuesday.

People using dating apps should follow these tips when meeting new people:

• When meeting in surrounding cities that may be unfamiliar to you, always research a safe meeting location and familiarize yourself with the area
• Always meet in a well-lit, public place
• Never go alone
• Always meet during the day
• Keep your cell phone close and be ready to call 911 at the first sign of trouble
• Never give out personal or financial information
• Let someone know where you’ll be and who you are meeting
• Leave if you feel uncomfortable

From Dallas Police Department: The Dallas Police Robber Unit is requesting cooperation from the media by not releasing a photograph of the arrested person at this time. Dallas Robbery Detectives are currently working on other cases that could be compromised if the identity of the arrestee is revealed. Anyone with information on these offenses is asked to call Detective Jason Jarc at (214) 671-3464. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call Crime Stoppers at (214) 373-TIPS (8477).

Lead image: The 'Grindr' and 'Tinder' app logos are seen on a mobile phone screen on November 24, 2016 in London, England. Police say suspects in Dallas used 'Grindr' to lure men to a vacant Dallas apartment where they were robbed and beaten. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)