An Unusual Tinder Date Takes a Dark Turn in Minnesota

Imagine going on a Tinder date during the pandemic and thinking you might find love. That’s what happened to Katie from Coon Rapids, Minnesota. She met Mark, who lived in Mounds View, and their relationship didn’t last long. Mark couldn’t accept it and began stalking and harassing Katie. Katie’s experience got scary. Mark would show up at her house and work, despite her reporting him to the police many times. He even hacked into her social media accounts and tried to blackmail her. Katie described him as controlling and having a drug problem.

One night, Katie wasn’t home, and a housemate didn’t answer Mark’s knocks. Angry, Mark threw lawn furniture, broke a window, and poured gasoline inside, setting the house on fire. Luckily, her housemate got out, but the house was destroyed. Mark was arrested and sent to a state prison in Faribault for 15 years. Even behind bars, he continued to harass Katie. This case shows how frightening and dangerous some online dating experiences can be.

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