Man drives six hours to torch online ex-GF’s home after breakup
In a shocking act of alleged revenge, 23-year-old Andrew Benavides from Pennsylvania is accused of driving six hours to Laconia, New Hampshire, to attack his ex-girlfriend’s home with a Molotov cocktail. This disturbing incident occurred at 2:30 a.m. Thursday, shortly after the couple ended their five-month online relationship.
According to Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield, surveillance footage captured Benavides hurling a crudely made Molotov cocktail, constructed from a Corona beer bottle, at the house. Fortunately, the device failed to ignite, though it caused damage to the property’s siding. Benavides is also accused of throwing a rock through a living room window during the attack.
The relationship, which existed solely online and involved the two never meeting in person, ended earlier in the week. Following the breakup, Benavides allegedly sent his ex-girlfriend a series of threatening messages, vowing harm to her and her family and threatening to burn down their house.
The arrest came as Benavides inadvertently drove past the scene while police were investigating the incident. He faces eight counts of criminal threatening, two counts of criminal mischief, and one count of stalking. Remarkably, the ex-girlfriend claims she never shared her address with Benavides, who reportedly had a friend locate it.
This case highlights the potential dangers associated with online relationships, underscoring the unpredictable nature of interactions on dating apps. Benavides is currently held in jail pending his trial scheduled for May 31, as the community reels from the severity of these allegations and the apparent breach of online privacy and safety.
Source: WTOK
Man drives six hours to torch online ex-GF’s home after breakup
