Man accused of assault and forced ATM withdrawals after dating app meet in Canberra
A 19-year-old allegedly assaulted a man met through a dating app and forced him to withdraw cash, causing a suspected brain injury.
A 19-year-old man appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday after allegedly assaulting another man he met through a dating app. Police say the two arranged to meet in south Canberra on Tuesday evening.
When they met, the 19-year-old allegedly attacked the man and demanded money. The 19-year-old then forced the victim to drive to several locations around Canberra to withdraw cash from ATMs.
Police say the victim tried to escape when the car door opened, but the 19-year-old allegedly reversed the vehicle, trapping him inside. The man was eventually released in Kaleen, where he called for help.
Police arrested the 19-year-old the next morning in Giralang. He faces charges of grievous bodily harm and choking.
The victim's injuries include a suspected brain haemorrhage.
- 19-year-old man
- Suspect age
- South Canberra, Tuesday evening
- Meeting location
- Suspected brain haemorrhage
- Victim injury
- Grievous bodily harm and choking
- Charges filed
Why it mattersMeeting strangers from dating apps carries risks; the case highlights dangers of meetups in unsafe locations or with unknown people.
AustraliaCanberra residents using dating apps face a reminder to meet in public places and tell someone where they are going.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 h ago
