A shocking incident unfolded recently in Middletown, New York, where a Grindr date reportedly turned into a violent attack. Reggie Florence, 28, has been accused of luring his Grindr date into his home under the pretense of giving a massage before allegedly launching a brutal knife assault.
Grindr Meetup Ends in Brutal Assault
The two men connected on the dating app Grindr on August 3, and Florence convinced the victim to drive all the way from Long Island to his residence in Middletown. Upon arriving, Florence allegedly invited the man inside and offered a massage. However, what seemed like a routine interaction quickly took a sinister turn.
According to prosecutors, as the victim laid on the floor, Florence suddenly retrieved a hidden kitchen knife and stabbed him several times in the neck. The victim fought back but sustained critical injuries during the struggle, including the loss of an eye and several wounds to his torso.
Police Arrive Just in Time
The violent altercation was interrupted when a neighbor, alerted by the commotion, contacted the authorities. Police arrived on the scene and found Florence standing over the injured victim with the knife. The victim was quickly rushed to the hospital, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries, including a punctured lung.
During their investigation, police reportedly discovered 12 knives hidden around Florence’s home, alongside a mop, a bucket, and a bottle of bleach near the site of the attack. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler described the case as “haunting,” crediting the victim’s survival to sheer luck and resilience.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Reggie Florence now faces charges including attempted murder, assault with intent to cause serious injury, and assault with intent to disfigure. He pleaded not guilty and is being held at Orange County Jail, with bail set at $500,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 28.
“It is a miracle that the allegations in this case did not result in the death of the victim,” Hoovler stated. “We will seek to hold this defendant accountable for his unspeakable crimes.”
The case has sparked discussions about online dating safety and the importance of vigilance when meeting strangers in private settings. As authorities continue to investigate, further updates on this incident are expected in the coming weeks.
