Police: NY Man Steals Cash, Jewelry, Electronics From Tinder Date's Apartment
SOUTH NYACK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- South Nyack police on Tuesday were offering a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of online dating.
Most dates try to steal a kiss, but one man is accused of taking cash, jewelry and electronics from a woman he met on the dating app, Tinder. As CBS2's Lou Young reported, it all happened on an otherwise pleasant date.
Kevin Clark, 26, of Highland Falls, faces multiple charges including burglary, grand larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property, police said.
"He looks like a normal dude," said Naomo Schchner of Dobbs Ferry.
The incident happened early Sunday morning – a meal in town, and then a walk back to the woman's home -- a multi-family house with a large porch.
The two hung out for a while and the suspect then asked to use the restroom, police said. But through an open window, he allegedly was spotted helping himself to anything small enough to carry.
South Nyack police Chief Brent Newberry alleged that Clark stole "jewelry, some rings, necklaces, some cash, and Bluetooth devices like portable speakers," all while "the Tinder date was still going."
A neighbor called 911, and police found that Clark already has an arrest record for theft. He lives with his parents, and neighbors in Highland Falls described him as charming, but troubled.
"My heart just bled when I heard it on the radio this morning, because I was hoping," said Julia Rose of Highland Falls. "He's done jail time, and I was hoping that was going to end."
Clark was arrested at least once as a juvenile. He served in the Navy, but was discharged years ago.
This was Clark's second arrest as an adult.
And Tinder or not, the advice is never to invite someone you don't really know back to your home.
"They could be good-looking; clean-looking – it doesn't matter," said Debbie Pochapsky. "They still have an agenda."
Common sense though it may be, it is perhaps hard to follow on a warm summer evening. Police said the victim was fortunate that the agenda this time was only theft.
Clark's bail was set at $25,000.