Detroit woman robbed and sexually assaulted in online dating meet-up

DETROIT (WJBK) - A 23-year-old woman was robbed and sexually assaulted during an online dating meet-up on Detroit's east side.

The woman met the man -- who she only knew as the nickname "D" on a dating website police call “Moca” -- on a dark street near the intersection of Medbury and Seminole.

"They both arrived (and) he got into her vehicle. There was some conversation, at which point he produced a knife," said Sgt. Mike Woody of the Detroit Police Department.

Threatening her with a butcher knife, the man sexually assaulted her. He then took her purse and stole her car, leaving her on the street. She called police, but the suspect got away.

"If you ever get to that point in the relationship online that you're going to meet face-to-face, we recommend you do it as safely as possible," Woody said.

He said with online dating becoming more and more common, there are strict precautions you should take, including taking a friend with you and meeting in a well-lit, well-populated public place.

Woody said the assaulted woman was treated at a local hospital and released.

"Obviously this was a very traumatic incident, so she's doing as well as can be expected," he said.

The suspect is described as a 5'9'' black male with a light completion. He has an Afro, a goatee and was last seen wearing a black coat and hat, and army fatigue pants.

Police are asking viewers to keep a look out for the woman's car, a 2002 red Chevy Malibu. If you have a tip, call Detroit police or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) SPEAK UP.