Teens lured victim on Grindr app prior to assault, robbery, police say

CBC News

· Posted: Apr 25, 2025 7:09 PM EDT | Last Updated: 11 minutes ago

Edmonton constabulary person charged six teens successful what they are calling a "targeted assault" and robbery, saying the radical utilized a societal media app to lure the victim nether mendacious pretences.

In a quality merchandise Friday, Edmonton police said officers responded connected March 27 to a study of an battle successful the Calder neighbourhood of northwest Edmonton.

Police said a idiosyncratic had reportedly arranged to conscionable up with idiosyncratic utilizing the 2SLGBTQ+ social media app Grindr. But erstwhile the idiosyncratic arrived, they were confronted, assaulted, struck with blunt objects and robbed by a ample radical of teen boys, police said. 

EMS responded, treated and transported the person to infirmary with superior injuries.

Police said the hatred crimes portion is assisting successful the probe to assistance find if the crimes were motivated by hatred toward the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

EPS said six antheral youths, each aged 15 oregon 16, were arrested and charged with aggregate offences past week, including aggravated assault, robbery and mischief implicit $5,000. Police said officers proceed to investigate, and further arrests oregon charges whitethorn travel if caller grounds emerges. 

"This usage of societal media to lure and battle idiosyncratic is alarming and unacceptable," said Det. Scott Rowbotham with EPS's investigative effect team, successful the quality release.

"Given the unpredictable quality of gathering radical online, we'd similar to punctual everyone, careless of age, to beryllium mindful erstwhile archetypal gathering idiosyncratic they lone cognize done online channels. If possible, program a determination and archer a person wherever you are going."

Police said investigators judge determination whitethorn be additional victims, witnesses oregon akin incidents. Anyone with accusation is asked to interaction EPS.