Teenage Boys Charged with Luring Men into Ambush using Dating App in Mount Prospect
Accused of Aggravated Battery, Mob Action, and Criminal Damage to Property
Eleven teenage boys are facing felony charges for allegedly luring two men into an ambush using a dating app in suburban Mount Prospect.
The Incidents
According to Mount Prospect Police, the incidents occurred just before 10 p.m. on July 8. In the first attack, a 41-year-old man arrived at 606 W. Northwest Hwy. when the group of boys ambushed him and beat him in the parking lot. The teenagers damaged his vehicle before he was able to get inside and drive off.
Second Attack
Minutes later, a 23-year-old man had arranged to meet a person in the 900 block of West Lincoln Street when he was allegedly ambushed and beaten by the same group of teenagers. The man got into his vehicle and drove off but had to pull over in the 300 block of See-Gwun Avenue when he realized they had slashed his tires.
Charges and Investigation
Detectives were able to identify some of the teenagers with video footage from the attack at 606 W. Northwest Hwy. One of the teenagers was also charged with two counts of hate crime for allegedly yelling racial and derogatory terms during the attack.
Police Warning
Mount Prospect Police Chief Michael Eterno urged parents to take the incidents as an opportunity to talk with their teenage children about the seriousness of actively participating in social media trends.
Criminal Charges
The 11 teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, are facing felony charges for aggravated battery, mob action, and criminal damage to property.
Conclusion
The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of engaging in harmful online activities. As authorities continue to investigate and prosecute those involved, parents and guardians are encouraged to have open and honest conversations with their children about the importance of online safety and responsible social media use.
FAQs
Q: How many teenagers were charged in connection with the incidents?
A: Eleven teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, were charged with felony crimes.
Q: What were the charges filed against the teenagers?
A: The charges included aggravated battery, mob action, and criminal damage to property.
Q: Was anyone charged with hate crimes?
A: Yes, one of the teenagers was charged with two counts of hate crime for allegedly yelling racial and derogatory terms during the attack.
Q: What is the police chief’s message to parents?
A: Mount Prospect Police Chief Michael Eterno urges parents to take the incidents as an opportunity to talk with their teenage children about the seriousness of actively participating in social media trends.
