2 Men Using Gay Dating App To Lure Carjacking Victims In High Desert, Deputies Say

HIGH DESERT (CBSLA.com) — Two men in the High Desert were arrested for allegedly carjacking at least two victims they met via the gay dating app "Grindr," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced Tuesday.

The first carjacking happened on May 15 near the intersection of Muskrat Avenue and Air Expressway in Adelanto.

According to a press release, Steven Thomas used a firearm to steal the victim's car and wallet. The suspect was arrested a few days later. He was recently paroled for possession of stolen property.

The second incident happened on May 23 near Yates and Ridgecrest Roads in Victorville.

That suspect was identified as Allan Soto, who was taken into custody a few hours after the carjacking, deputies said.

Both of the victims' vehicles had been recovered and returned to them.

It is not clear if Soto and Thomas were working together or are part of a larger operation.

Authorities advised people who use social media or dating sites to be cautious.

Anyone with information about criminal or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact their local Sheriff Station or leave an anonymous tip on the crime hotline at (800) 78-CRIME or on the wetip.com website.