Baltimore County Police Search for Additional Victims in Dating App Robberies
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- The Baltimore County Police Department is asking for additional victims of specific dating app robberies to come forward.
Officers are looking for additional victims who have been robbed by two suspects who use dating apps to rob victims.
Police believe they set up fake accounts on the dating apps that are for men only.
Police arrested Matthew Austin Bauer, 21, and Paul William James Keve, 18, for allegedly robbing a 24-year-old man after scheduling a meeting on a cell phone app called "Jack'd" on March 31.
When the victim arrived at the 7500 block of Westfield Road in Dundalk, police say he was surrounded by Bauer and Keve, who threatened him with a knife and stole his cash and cell phone.
"It's horrible, who wants to do that? And it's the same way on craigslist and stuff and even on Facebook," said Stephanie Greiser of Dundalk.
On March 2, a 22-year-old man was robbed and beaten after he set up a meeting with someone named "Josh" on another dating app called "Grindr."
When the victim arrived in the 1600 block of Four Georges Court in Dundalk, he was approached by a black male wearing dark clothing and a ski mask who demanded his money and cell phone.
When the victim tried to flee, he was surrounded by two other black males who began beating him. The three suspects fled with the victim's cash and phone.
Keve was later identified as one of the suspects and has been charged in that case as well.
"This is type of a crime that people might not want to come forward with their information, they might not want to report it to police because of embarrassment," said Jennifer Peach of the Baltimore County Police.
"Honestly, it's a scary thing but social media and apps like that it can get you in to trouble, if you don't know what you're doing or don't know who you are dealing with," said Shawn Taylor of Dundalk.
Police believe there are more victims out there but they also think there are more suspects who have not been caught yet.
Bauer and Keve were charged with armed robbery, robbery, second-degree assault and misdemeanor theft.
Anyone with information on either of these incidents, a similar type incident, or anyone who may have been victimized under similar circumstances by either Bauer or Keve is asked to contact police at 410-307-2020.
Anyone with information on this case can also submit a tip to Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. For more information on other ways to contact Metro Crime Stoppers, as well as information on rewards offered by or through them, check their website at www.metrocrimestoppers.org.
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