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Pledge_TOP_bluePistol Whipped, Robbed and CFSEM-123-OaklandCounty115-digital-ad_v2Left Unconscious: Victim Hopes Predator he Met Online is Captured
(Crystal A. Proxmire, July 9, 2015)
The man who hurt Henry Hoskins is described as a dark complected black man in his 20s with a star tattooed on the right side of his face. He is 5’9″ with an average build.
Going by the name of ‘Tee’ the suspect is accused of robbing and viciously assaulting Hoskins after meeting him on an internet hookup site Interactive Male.
Hoskins, 25,  was born with fetal alcohol syndrome, and his adoptive mother told Fox 2 News that “by listening to Henry, he [the attacker] probably knew that Henry was very naive.”
blumz01According to the report, Hoskins invited the man over to his Detroit home on the night of July 3 after connecting with him online. After sharing some intimate moments, the suspect became violent and began choking and pistol whipping Hoskins. Hoskins screamed for help and lost consciousness. When he woke, the man was gone along with his wallet, cell phone and keys. A family member called an ambulance and Hoskins later left the hospital with 42 staples in his head and other injuries.
Yvonne Siferd Director of Victim Services Equality Michigan is helping get the word out about the assault and asking people to be on the look out for the star-faced suspect.
“We are shocked and saddened by the brutality endured by Henry, and incredibly grateful he survived. It takes a special kind of monster to prey on our most vulnerable community lisa schmidt lawmembers, and we want Henry, and any other survivors, to know that they are not to blame.
“We want to encourage these survivors to come forward to tell their stories, as Henry so bravely has. The more we talk and tell each other our stories, the more we know and the less alone we feel. Information is power, and support helps us thrive. We are happy that Henry has such a strong support system in his family.”
Equality Michigan has previously released the following list of things to be aware of when meeting new from the internet:
– Think about an escape route in advance, in case of danger.
twsted_tavern_AD_more text– Tell someone where you are going and how long you will be gone.
– Look for well-lit, public, open and secure areas in which to meet.
– Trust your gut instinct: If you get bad vibes from the person, leave.
– Never show that you feel intimidated, frightened or “out of control.”
– Never let the pick-up know you are alone. Let them think that you have a friend who knows where you are.
– At any sign of trouble make as much noise as possible. Carry a whistle or personal alarm.sideHeadLines
– If forced to fight, use whatever you can as a weapon — your stilettos, bag, sharp ring, belt buckle or anything that will inflict pain.
– Strike vulnerable areas of the body (eyes, throat, nose, fingers, crotch, knee, feet); these hurt the most.
-Be cautious about revealing information that could identify you. For example, if you give someone your listed phone number, he or she can get your real name and street address.
-For your first meeting, pick a place that’s public and neutral. If you’re traveling to visit the person in his or her town, pick a place you’re comfortable with when you arrive.
-Always carry a cell phone. This will allow you to call 911 at any time. If finances are tight, purchase a pre-paid cell phone.
-Know that violence is never your fault, no matter what.
If you have any information, please contact Detroit Police Department or Equality Michigan at 313-537-7000 x112. Learn more about victim services at Equality Michigan’s website http://www.equalitymi.org .
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