Washington, DC – A meeting arranged on a dating app led to an attempted rape, which then led to the attacker being shot with his own gun. It occurred on December 20th in the Unit Block of E Street NW, according to police.
The victim and suspect used an online dating app to arrange a meeting just before 6:30 a.m. Shortly after the male entered the female’s room, he brandished a handgun and attempted to commit a sexual act on the victim. The woman fought back, causing the gun to discharge and strike both parties. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported both the victim and the suspect to area hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit detectives announced the arrest of Anthony Lillard, 32, of Northeast, DC. He was charged with Assault with Intent to Commit First Degree Sexual Abuse and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
The increased use of online dating platforms in the past decade has led to many less-than-romantic encounters. Many apps do not even require users to register or create a profile, and it is never a good idea to meet a total stranger in private for any reason.
Anyone using such applications should use a reputable platform which requires user registration and profiles. The initial meeting should be in a public place that is relatively safe, and a friend or family member should be given some details about the time and location of the meeting, and the username of the other person. It is also advisable for anyone meeting in this manner to be armed with some type of defensive tools, such as pepper spray, a stun gun or a legally owned and carried handgun.
