Men Robbed In New Cassel After Dating App Meet-Up: Police

NEW CASSEL, NY — A teenager was arrested in connection to a pair of robberies this month in New Cassel, police said.

The 15-year-old male would schedule meetings with other males through a dating app. They would meet them at prearranged locations. After entering their vehicles, he would display a knife and threaten to stab them if didn't drive to various ATMs to withdraw money, authorities said.

The victims complied and handed over the withdrawn cash or their personal items, before the teenager exited the vehicle and fled the scene, police said.

Both incidents took place in New Cassel on Friday, June 14 and Friday, June 21.

An investigation led police to arrest and charge the 15-year-old with two counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree kidnapping, two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, two counts of second-degree menacing, two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and petty larceny.

He was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday at District Court in Hempstead.

Following a thorough investigation, the juvenile subject was identified,

Detectives request if anyone feels they may have been a victim of the teenager should contact the Third Squad at 516-573-6353 or dial 911.