Local Man Allegedly Robbed by Internet Acquaintance

Arlington Police are investigating reports that a local man was allegedly robbed by another man whom he met over the Internet.

Police responded to a Spy Pond Parkway home at 2 p.m. for a report that a resident had been bound and robbed, authorities said. Responding officers spoke with the victim, who was reportedly handcuffed and blindfolded before being robbed of cash and his vehicle, Arlington Police said.

A preliminary investigation indicated the victim picked up the alleged assailant at the Alewife MBTA Station after meeting through an Internet classified advertisement. The handcuffs and blindfold were consensual, according to Arlington Police.

The suspect then stole the victim’s car and cash.

“This does not appear to be a random act of violence, and we do not want residents to be in fear for their safety,” Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan said. “We are actively investigating this incident.”

Authorities recovered the victim’s vehicle, a black 2008 Ford Edge, a short time later near the Alewife MBTA Station. Police said they believe the suspect may have boarded a train from the area.

Police described the suspect as a tall white male, between the ages of 30 and 35, about 200 pounds in weight, with a neck tattoo. He was last seen wearing Boston Celtics clothing.

The victim’s identity was not released. The investigation is ongoing.