Shreveport man facing charges after robbing victim he met on dating app

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — A man is facing charges after robbing a victim he met on a dating app.

The incident happened on Monday, June 9, when the suspect, identified as Cartez C. Thomas, arranged to meet through the dating app Grindr. According to police, the victim met Thomas, and the two then proceeded to a nearby park where they engaged in sexual activity.

After the encounter, police reported that Thomas exited his vehicle, approached the driver’s side, brandished a firearm, and demanded that the victim exit the vehicle and surrender his belongings. Thomas then fled in the victim’s vehicle. Fortunately, the victim was able to call for help while escaping the scene.

Thomas was apprehended later that day after a high-speed chase in the victim’s vehicle. Officers recovered two firearms from the vehicle, as well as additional evidence that directly linked Thomas to the robbery. He has been charged with one count of armed robbery with a firearm and is currently in custody.