Inspired by Social Media Trend, Illinois Kids Used Dating App To Lure Men – Then Beat Them!
A viral social media trend led 11 Illinois teens to lure and attack unsuspecting men on dating apps, leaving victims battered and vehicles destroyed. 🌐 #News #ChicagoIL #Illinois #Crime
CHICAGO, IL – In a shocking crime spree that has rocked Mount Prospect, Illinois, 11 teenage boys are facing serious felony charges after allegedly using dating apps to lure two men into violent encounters. The attacks, which occurred on the night of July 8, 2024, were reportedly fueled by a disturbing social media trend. What began as innocent online interactions quickly escalated into brutal assaults, leaving victims with physical injuries and damaged vehicles. Police say the juveniles, ages 16 and 17, are responsible for both attacks, which involved mob action and hate-filled rhetoric.
The Violent Attacks Unfold
The first incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. on July 8, when a 41-year-old man arrived at a parking lot at 606 West Northwest Highway, expecting to meet a person he had connected with on a dating app.
Instead, he was ambushed by a group of teenage boys who assaulted him and damaged his vehicle. The victim fled the scene in his car, but the teens pursued him in their own vehicles.
At almost the same time, a second assault unfolded just a few blocks away. Police responded to a report of a battery on See Gwun Avenue at 9:54 p.m. The 23-year-old victim had also arranged to meet someone through a dating app but was attacked by the same group of teens.
In addition to the assault, the suspects slashed the victim’s tires, leaving him stranded. He sought help from a nearby home before being transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A Thorough Investigation Leads to Arrests
Following the attacks, the Mount Prospect Police Department launched an extensive investigation, gathering key evidence, including surveillance footage from the first assault. This footage helped authorities identify several suspects.
After weeks of investigation, all 11 juveniles turned themselves in between November 11 and November 20, 2024. They now face a range of charges, including felony counts of mob action, aggravated battery, aggravated battery with great bodily harm, and criminal damage to property.
One of the teens is facing additional charges for allegedly shouting racial and derogatory slurs during the attack. These hate crime charges further complicate an already disturbing case.
Social Media Trend at the Root of the Violence
Police believe the juveniles were influenced by a viral social media trend, which seemingly encouraged violent behavior.
“We are asking parents to take these incidents as an opportunity to talk with their teenage children about the seriousness of actively participating in these types of trends they see on social media,” said Police Chief Michael Eterno.
Investigators are continuing to look into the full extent of the teens’ involvement with the trend and whether there are additional individuals or incidents connected to the attacks.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Illinois
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