An Atlanta victim held up at gunpoint in south Fulton County after using the dating app Grindr spoke exclusively with Atlanta News First on Thursday. The suspect, Zechariah Warren, was arrested this week. “It was someone who I was communicating with for I think a few days,” the victim said. The victim called 911 right away. South Fulton Police arrested Warren on Wednesday and investigators told Atlanta News First six other men also came forward and reported similar incidents.
Police said they have now recommended hate crime charges to the FBI because evidence shows the suspect was primarily targeting the victims due to their sexual orientation. Police said ultimately it will be up to the FBI to charge Warren with a hate crime. Warren claimed his name was Zac and that he was 21 years old on the dating app. After several Facetime phone calls, the victim said he eventually felt comfortable enough to meet up with Warren at the Camelot Condominiums on Old National Highway.
The victim said that Warren started acting very fidgety and uncomfortable before he allegedly pulled out a gun. The victim said the suspect started pointing the gun at him, refused to let him leave, and demanded cash. When the victim refused he said the suspect snatched his bag and took off from the apartment. One of the victims hopes that by sharing what happened, others will avoid similar dangerous and or potentially deadly situations. Police said there may be more victims.