CORVALLIS, Ore. — Local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution when meeting individuals from dating apps following a shooting incident earlier this month.
On May 17, Benton County police responded to a 911 call reporting a gunshot at approximately 5:30 a.m. Officers discovered a 20-year-old man inside a parked vehicle near the intersection of Highway 99 West and Lakeside Drive. Investigators believe the victim was lured to the location after matching with a woman on the dating app Chispa.
Subsequent police work led to the arrest of two 20-year-old women, Alexa Montano Corral and Julia Dell Yepez, who are connected to the shooting. The nature of the encounter and the motive remain under investigation.
In response to the incident, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) released an online statement warning the public to prioritize safety when meeting people from dating platforms. “BCSO urges the public to exercise caution when meeting individuals from dating apps—always meet in public and never isolate yourself until you are certain of the other person’s intentions,” the statement read.
With more than 350 million online dating users worldwide, including a significant number between 18 and 29 years old, the Corvallis community has expressed concern about the risks involved in virtual connections.
“There’s no verification of who you are online, you know what I mean? Like you could, I could make an account saying I’m anyone,” said Joshua Calderon, an Oregon State University student. “There’s no representation of who they actually are in person.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and personal safety when navigating online dating platforms.
