A group of students at Assumption University in Massachusetts have been charged with kidnapping and conspiracy charges after they allegedly attacking a man they lured to their campus on the Tinder dating app as part of a TikTok challenge.
According to CBS, Assumption University students Joaquin Smith, Isabella Trudeau, Kevin Carroll, Kelsy Brainard, and Easton Randall took part of a challenge that is based on the popular TV series “To Catch a Predator” in an incident that took place back on October 1st, although a criminal complaint wasn’t filed until December 4th.
Authorities claim that Brainard, 18, used Tinder to invite the victim to campus with the goal of the group being “to simulate the TikTok fad of luring a sexual predator to a location and subsequently physically assaulting him or calling the police.”
Randall reportedly told authorities that the group was only truing to recreate a TikTok trend that recreates the show, but that “this got out of hand and went bad.”
Authorities said that “The premeditated gathering and staging of the students in the lounge area to catch this subject… was conducted by the use of trickery or deceit to seize, confine or kidnap this person.”
The victim, who is of college age himself, says that he wants to remain anonymous and police said that “The subject reported that he was able to break free and ran up the stairs being chased by the group of 25 or more.”
Assumption University in Massachusetts issued a formal statement saying that the students’ alleged behavior and the incident was “abhorrent and antithetical to Assumption University’s mission and values.”
“While we cannot comment on the ongoing student conduct investigations and attendant disciplinary processes, Assumption University is committed to maintaining a campus environment where every individual is treated with respect and dignity–including guests,” the Assumption spokesperson said. “We strongly condemn all forms of violence and misconduct, and we are dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel safe and supported.”
The group of students is currently scheduled for arraignment in Worcester District Court on January 16th.
