Robbers Use Grindr App To Lure OKC Victims

Police are warning the public about using popular dating apps. One man was arrested in connection to a robbery scheme after using the Grindr app to lure victims.

Investigators are searching for three other suspects involved in the robberies.

The victims were lured to a home in Southwest Oklahoma City for what they thought were Grindr dates. The victims arrived at the home at different times throughout the evening. They all told police, the suspects, including the arrested 31-year-old Deaunte McPherson, led them into a dark home.

“They were threatened at gunpoint and to give over their cards, phones, keys to their cars,” said Officer Megan Morgan, Oklahoma City Police Department. “Anything they had on them.”

A neighbor of one of the victims told him about the frightening experience.

“He said it was dark in the house,” said the victim’s neighbor. “They took everything from him.”   

The victims were told to lay on the ground and were held against their will.

“They kept them hostage in the house,” said the victim’s neighbor. “So, he was like, ‘I’m going to die but I got to find a way to get out.’”

Police said there was some type of altercation outside the home. The fight distracted the suspects long enough for the victims to escape.

“He escaped through the roof,” said the victim’s neighbor. “And then finds some held and called the police.”

The victims ran to nearby homes or businesses to call authorities. 

911 Caller: “I was just robbed at gunpoint and my car stolen and everything.”    

Police said the bizarre robbery is a reminder to always take precautions when using dating apps and meeting strangers.

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“Go to a highly populated place, go to a restaurant with a lot of people in it,” said Morgan. “If you can, go with a friend.”