Slidell police say men were targeted through dating app in robbery and kidnapping case

Police in Slidell, Louisiana, say two suspects used a dating app to target men in a case involving alleged armed robberies, kidnappings and extortion attempts.

Police in Slidell, Louisiana, have arrested two people after investigators said men were targeted through a dating app in a series of alleged armed robberies, kidnappings and extortion attempts.

According to Fox 8/WVUE, police identified the suspects as 20-year-old Emyni Hall and 24-year-old Griffin Batiste. Authorities said the encounters began through a dating app before turning into violent crimes and attempts to force victims to hand over money.

Slidell police said Hall was arrested on charges including hate crimes, carjacking, armed robbery with use of a firearm, aggravated second-degree battery, second-degree kidnapping, illegal carrying of weapons, extortion, bank fraud, access device fraud and interfering with emergency communications.

Batiste was arrested on the same charges, along with possession of a firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies, according to police.

Fox 8 also reported that police said the suspects targeted gay men on Grindr, including married men they believed might be afraid or embarrassed to contact authorities. Investigators said they believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward.

Slidell police described the case as a warning about the risks that can exist when meeting strangers through dating apps. They urged anyone who believes they may have been a victim to contact police.

This case highlights a serious danger that goes beyond fake profiles or romance scams. Some criminals may use dating platforms to identify victims, create trust or vulnerability, and then move the encounter into robbery, extortion or physical danger.

NoDuble reminds users to take precautions before meeting someone from a dating app: meet in a public place, tell someone where you are going, avoid sharing sensitive personal information too early, and leave immediately if the situation feels unsafe.