The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is warning the public to take extreme caution when meeting individuals known only through online platforms.
The call comes after North Eastern Division officers arrested a 20-year-old man following a robbery with violence incident that occurred in the San Juan district on Thursday, February 19th, 2026.
Reports indicate that around 6:30 pm, a man was at the corner of Third Avenue and Eastern Main Road, Barataria, where he met a man whom he had connected with a few days earlier via an online dating application. The two proceeded north along Third Avenue to Mission Road Extension, San Juan, where the victim observed two other men standing at the side of the roadway. Upon reaching the area, the three men announced a robbery, with one suspect armed with a firearm. The assailants relieved the victim of two cellular phones and cash, with a total value of $1,869.
During the incident, the victim was physically assaulted and pushed against a galvanised fence before the three suspects escaped on foot.
Officers of the San Juan Police Station responded promptly. While conducting enquiries in the district, officers observed a man fitting the description of one of the suspects. The suspect was promptly arrested and conveyed to the San Juan Police Station for further enquiries.
Investigations are ongoing as officers continue enquiries to identify and apprehend the other suspects.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service also urges the public to report any suspicious activity to the police by calling 999, 555, 911 or 800-TIPS.