A North Charleston man is facing multiple felony charges after police say a meetup arranged through a dating app turned into an assault, armed robbery and shooting.
According to the North Charleston Police Department, 21-year-old Jakeil Idell Baskins was arrested Aug. 13 in connection with an incident that occurred nearly three weeks earlier at an apartment complex on Dobson Street in the Charleston Farms community. Baskins is charged with first-degree assault and battery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, armed robbery and kidnapping.
Police were called to the apartment complex July 24 following reports of an armed robbery and shots fired. When officers arrived, a man reportedly flagged them down in the roadway and told police he had been attacked by a man he met through a dating app.
The victim told investigators he had arranged to meet the man at an apartment. After arriving, he said Baskins invited him into another apartment and allegedly attacked and physically assaulted him near the front door.
According to police, the victim managed to break free and run from the apartment, but Baskins allegedly followed him outside. Once the victim reached the roadway, police say Baskins pulled out a rifle and fired one shot in his direction before returning to the apartment. Baskins reportedly left the area before officers could locate him.
Investigators continued searching for Baskins, and he was taken into custody Aug. 13. He was booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center.
The case highlights potential safety risks associated with meeting someone for the first time after connecting online. Authorities generally encourage people meeting online acquaintances to consider meeting initially in a public location and letting someone they trust know where they are going.
The allegations against Baskins have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
