WASHINGTON — A Valentine's Day warning for people looking for love on dating apps: D.C. police have just arrested a 14-year-old girl for allegedly using a dating app to lure victims to three different spots. The incidents happened once a year ago, and then twice more this month.
When the victims arrived, police say the girl and other suspects would wave a handgun -- even hitting one victim with it -- steal the victim's belongings and drive off in their cars.
Police have not released the teenager's name, and it's not clear how old the alleged victims were, or whether they knew they were meeting an underage girl.
Detectives from the new Metropolitan Police Department carjacking task force arrested the girl Tuesday, according to an MPD news release.
Police said the first robbery was Friday, January 24, 2020 at about 11 pm. The girl allegedly arranged to meet a man in the 4800 block of North Capitol St. When the victim arrived, police said one suspect waved a handgun and the other suspects took the victim's property. The suspects allegedly fled in the victim's car.
The second robbery tied to the 14-year-old was Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at about 7:30 pm in the 1300 block of Peabody St., NW. Again, the victim allegedly agreed to meet the girl, but when the victim arrived, the suspects allegedly threatened him with a gun, took his property and drove off in his car.
It was much the same on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at about 4:30 p.m. in the 4800 block of Fort Totten Drive, NE. Only this time, police said, they didn't just threaten the victim with the gun, they actually hit him with it and fled the scene. Police do not mention any car or property theft in the third incident.
Police said they charged the girl with two counts of armed robbery with a gun and assault with a dangerous weapon after arresting her on February 9.
On April 12, 2021, D.C. police said they had arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with these crimes. The boy was not identified because he is a minor. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
There's a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest or conviction in the violent crimes. Police are asking anyone with information to call (202) 727-9099 or text the tip line at 50411.
Acting police chief Robert Contee said Tuesday that police have seen a troubling surge in carjackings this year, with 47 just since New Year's Day.