2 Lured Victims To Children's Park On Dating App, Before Assaulting, Robbing Them: Police

RAMAPO, NY — The Town of Ramapo Police Department says that two teens have been arrested and charged in a "complex," hate inspired robbery and extortion case.

Police say the two men used a dating app to lure unsuspecting victims to a children's park in the Village of Wesley Hills, during late evening and early morning hours. Both suspects would then display weapons, physically assault the victims, and steal their personal property, according to police.

Police say that after an investigation by Ramapo police officers and detectives, a 19-year-old man from Flushing, and a 19-year-old man from Monsey were charged with first- and second-degree robbery (both as hate crimes); third- and fourth-degree grand larceny (both as hate crimes); third-degree coercion (including as a hate crime); fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon; first-degree criminal use of a firearm; third- and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property; fourth-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime; first-degree unlawful imprisonment (including as a hate crime); fourth-degree conspiracy (including as a hate crime); third-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; second-degree menacing (including as a hate crime); second-degree aggravated harassment; and second-degree harassment.

Town of Ramapo police say the case was resolved "thanks to the persistence and skill of our patrol officers who laid the foundation, and our detectives, who followed through with a thorough investigation."

Ramapo police say they "remain committed to holding those accountable who commit violent crimes and ensuring the safety of our community."

The Ramapo Police Department Investigations Division believes there may be other victims who have not yet come forward. If they wish to report their incident, they are being asked to contact Detective Murphy or Detective Quinn at 845-357-2400.