College students charged with ambushing US soldier in 'To Catch a Predator' TikTok scheme: police

Five Massachusetts college students are facing criminal charges after allegedly luring a soldier to their school’s campus to ambush him in a TikTok trend inspired by “To Catch a Predator.”

The five were among a larger group of nearly 30 students that chased the unwitting man from a building at Assumption University after he was invited there by a student on the dating app Tinder on Oct. 1, according to a criminal complaint written by campus police and filed in Worcester District Court on Dec. 4.

According to the complaint, there was no indication that the victim intended to meet anyone underage. The woman who invited him to campus, 18-year-old Kelsy Brainard, indicated her age on her dating app profile, police said.

Easton Randall, 19, told police that he and his peers were inspired by the popular NBC series “To Catch a Predator,” which featured the show’s host Chris Hansen confronting men lured to a house where they thought they were meeting minors for sex before handing those men over to waiting police.

Randall said the group was cashing in on a TikTok fad modeled after the show, in which people lure a sexual predator to a location to assault them, expose them or turn them over to police.

Randall, Brainard, 18-year-old Isabella Trudeau and 18-year-old Joaquin Smith face charges of kidnapping and conspiracy, WCVB reported. Brainard was additionally charged with intimidation; 18-year-old Kevin Carroll, who allegedly slammed the victim’s head into the car door, is accused of assault and battery with a deadly weapon. 

Assumption University

Construction continues on the Health and Science building at Assumption College, now called Assumption University, on Thursday, May 21, 2020. (Christine Peterson/Worcester Telegram & Gazette via USA TODAY NETWORK)

A lawyer listed for Carroll did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and attorneys for the other students were not listed on the court docket. The other four defendants could not be reached for comment. The students are scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 16.

Assumption University President Greg Weiner said that the incident was “abhorrent and antithetical to Assumption University’s mission and values” in a statement and said that the school’s Department of Public Safety immediately launched an investigation after the alleged attack.

“This situation is particularly sobering because the victim is an active-duty military service member,” Weiner wrote. “His service reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who defend our freedoms, including the opportunity to pursue a college education.”

You May Also Like
GOP rebel Thom Tillis rampages against Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' after withdrawing from re-election

Thom Tillis, GOP dissenter, criticizes Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ after opting out of re-election

Thom Tillis is strongly criticizing Donald Trump’s proposed ‘big, beautiful bill’ while…
Audio released of moment Idaho firefighters ambushed while responding to blaze: 'Emergency situation'

Idaho firefighters ambushed while responding to blaze: Audio captures ’emergency situation’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Audio from the scene…
When Will ‘WWHL’ Return With New Episodes?

What is the Schedule for New Episodes of ‘WWHL’?

Yes, Watch What Happens Live recently took a week-long break after Memorial…
Police reveal contents of mysterious black packages that washed up on pristine Florida beach

Police share details of strange black packages found on beautiful Florida beach

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As Yosemite Sam would…
Haunting audio reveals firefighter's final moments as Idaho sniper unleashed terror on anniversary of terrifying local incident

Spine-chilling recording captures firefighter’s last moments during Idaho sniper attack on tragic local anniversary

Two firefighters in Idaho were fatally shot by a sniper on the…
Federal funding still frozen for Northwestern University medical research; school has not heard from Trump administration

Northwestern University medical research continues to face federal funding freeze; no communication from Trump administration

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — Frozen without any warning or explanation: That’s what…
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker narrowing down list of potential running mates for 3rd term bid; Christian Mitchell among candidates

JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois, narrowing down list of potential running mates for 3rd term bid, including Christian Mitchell.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is currently in the process…
Jonaiki Martinez-Estrella dead: Gang member who killed Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz' dies at Coxsackie Correctional Facility

Gang Member Responsible for Killing Lesandro ‘Junior’ Guzman-Feliz Dies in Prison

NEW YORK — The individual who was a member of a gang…
Factory worker dies 'trapped' in industrial oven in horrifying accident

Tragic accident claims the life of factory worker trapped in industrial oven

A Missouri factory worker suffered a horrific death after getting stuck inside…
New Orleans jail escapee who begged Trump for help captured as manhunt targets last fugitive

Final fugitive in New Orleans jail escape, who pleaded with Trump for assistance, found as search ends.

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! One remaining Orleans Parish…
North Korean IT workers infiltrated Fortune 500 companies in massive fraud scheme

North Korean Tech Employees Penetrated Fortune 500 Firms in Major Fraud Operation

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Federal authorities have uncovered…
Audio released of moment Idaho firefighters ambushed while responding to blaze: 'Emergency situation'

The person believed to be the shooter in the attack on an Idaho firefighter has been named

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The alleged sniper who…