- Online dating in The Bronx takes a perilous turn as a man suffers life-threatening injuries from a dating app encounter.
- Previous incidents, including a tragic death in Long Island, amplify the rising concerns over online dating’s hidden dangers.
- NYPD intensifies efforts to apprehend suspects, offering rewards and urging the public to remain vigilant and prioritize safety.
A man was critically injured when he was stabbed in the neck by a stranger he encountered in The Bronx (NYC) after connecting on a dating app. The incident, which occurred on Aug. 1, further raises concerns regarding the safety of online dating and its potential dangers.
In March, Andrew D. Avila, 25, was arrested in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found in a Long Island (NY) parking lot on an apparent love date that turned tragic. This and other recent cases highlight the potential risks associated with meeting strangers through online platforms.
The two men met as planned at an apartment building on Sedgwick Ave. near W. Kingsbridge Road in Kingsbridge Heights around 2:20 p.m. The NYPD reported this incident yesterday as it released a photo of the suspect and offered a $3,500 reward for information leading to his capture. It remains unclear whether the attack was premeditated or if an altercation occurred during the date.
A stairwell on the 5th floor of the building bore evidence of the violence that transpired, with blood still evident hours after the attack. Daily News provided graphic images of the scene (readers are cautioned when accessing them).
In September of the previous year, the police issued warnings about several cases where “love” dates arranged via Facebook ended tragically. These dates, set up in New York hotels and motels, culminated in violent episodes, including robberies at gunpoint.
Paramedics rushed the 32-year-old victim to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. As of now, no arrests have been made. The NYPD urges anyone with information to come forward, ensuring that all communications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. They can be reached at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or in Spanish at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or by text to 274637 (CRIMES), followed by TIP577.