Bloomington man arrested on drug and rape charges on Tinder date

A Bloomington man was arrested after he allegedly drugged and raped a woman he met on a dating app, authorities said.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said 37-year-old Luis David Garcia met the victim on Tinder and invited the woman to his home in the 9700 block of Locust Avenue on Tuesday.

“She showed up and then while she was at his residence, she passed out and woke up to him having sex with her,” said Cpl. Adam Cervantes of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The victim was able to escape and called 911.

“Our Fontana Sheriff’s Office received a call just after 3:00 a.m. So they responded, contacted her, got a statement, and then sent her to a local hospital for treatment,” said Cpl. Cervantes.

Investigators obtained a search warrant and went to Garcia’s residence in the 9700 block of Locust Avenue in Bloomington. Garcia was taken into custody and transported to the Fontana Sheriff’s Department for further investigation. Then he was arrested.

“While serving the search warrant, investigators found some evidence that leads them to believe there could potentially be other victims,” ​​said Cpl. Cervantes.

Investigators said Garcia tried to meet other women not only on Tinder, but also on several other dating apps.

“One of the charges was rape while intoxicated. So, investigators believe she was knocked unconscious by the suspect,” said Cpl. Cervantes.

Online dating has grown in popularity, but so have the risks.

“One of the main things I would caution people who are dating for the first time is not to meet in a house that you haven’t met before, that you don’t have a certain rapport or comfort level with. “, he said.

Garcia has been charged with three felony charges and is currently awaiting trial.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective D. Pedersen at 909-356-6710 or [email protected]. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or contact WeTip.com.