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Cheltenham Township Police: 19-Year-Old Woman Raped Outside Apartment Complex After Meeting Man On Tinder

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CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) -- Police in Cheltenham Township say a 19-year-old woman was raped at an apartment complex after meeting a man on the dating app Tinder.

Cheltenham Township police say the assault happened Monday outside the Lynnewood Garden Apartments complex around 7:30 p.m.

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Police say the woman met the suspect on Tinder and was lured to the area. The pair had agreed to meet each other along John Russell Park.

"The victim had made arrangements to meet someone on Tinder, and they agreed to meet at that location," said Cheltenham Township Police Lt. John Slavin.

According to police, the suspect approached the woman from behind, grabbed her and forced her into a secluded area behind the garages where he sexually assaulted her.

The suspect then fled the area on foot.

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The crime came as a surprise to residents of the apartment complex.

"Neighborhood has always been quiet and peaceful, that's why this incident astounds me, and I think the community should be made aware of that," said neighbor Larry Kirkland.

Police say their investigation is ongoing. They wouldn't say if any search warrants had been filed or if they've developed a person of interest. It is also not known if Tinder is cooperating and if the user account developed in this interaction has been identified.

"That would be part of the investigation as well, look into whose IP address was that and that's what we are working on," explained Slavin.

If anyone has information on this incident, please call Cheltenham Township Police Detectives at 215-885-1600 ext. 499.

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