A night that began with an online connection and a seemingly ordinary bar date ended in terror when a Minnesota woman was nearly run over—twice—by the man she had just met. Authorities say 33-year-old Alexander Dennis Jr., who drove hundreds of miles to meet the woman after chatting with her on Facebook, turned violent during the encounter, ultimately leading to his arrest on multiple felony charges. The case highlights the darker side of online dating, where encounters with strangers can take unpredictable and sometimes dangerous turns.
A Date Gone Terribly Wrong
According to a statement of probable cause obtained by The News & Observer, the incident unfolded on the evening of October 21 in Virginia, Minnesota. Alexander Dennis Jr, a resident of Chicago Heights, Illinois, reportedly drove from Indiana to Minnesota to meet a woman he had been communicating with on Facebook. The two met at a local bar for what was supposed to be their first date.
Investigators said that at some point during the evening, Alexander Dennis Jr began acting erratically and “became upset” for reasons that remain unclear. The woman later told authorities that while she expected Dennis to drive her home after their night out, the situation took a disturbing turn when he drove past her house and instead pulled into the parking lot of a nearby store.
When she tried to get out of the vehicle, Alexander Dennis Jr allegedly became physically aggressive. The complaint states that he “grabbed her by the shoulders and yanked her back into the vehicle,” refusing to let her leave. The woman eventually managed to break free and exit the car, but the confrontation was far from over.
As she began walking along the sidewalk toward the curb near the parking lot, Alexander Dennis Jr reportedly accelerated his Audi toward her, driving over the curb in an apparent attempt to hit her. The woman narrowly avoided being struck. Shockingly, authorities said Dennis then turned the car around and made a second attempt to swerve toward her before driving off.
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In a panic, the woman called a friend for help while also contacting 911, reporting that Alexander Dennis Jr was following her in the vehicle. Responding officers quickly began searching the area, setting off a chain of events that led to a high-speed pursuit and Dennis’s eventual arrest.
The Police Pursuit and Arrest
Officers soon spotted the vehicle Dennis had been driving, but when they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, he allegedly sped away at more than 80 miles per hour. Law enforcement pursued him for several miles before losing sight of the car. Shortly afterward, authorities located the vehicle abandoned, its engine still warm.
Upon further investigation, police discovered that the Audi Alexander Dennis Jr had been driving was reported stolen from Indiana, raising additional criminal concerns. The discovery added a new layer to the unfolding case, suggesting that Dennis’s actions that evening may have been part of a broader pattern of criminal behavior.
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A search of the surrounding area led officers to a nearby Target parking lot, where they found Dennis walking. When confronted, he reportedly appeared confused and denied knowing why police were detaining him. Officers took him into custody without further incident.
Dennis was charged two days later, on October 23, with second-degree assault, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, and receiving stolen property. Each charge carries serious penalties under Minnesota law, especially given the violent nature of the alleged assault and the use of a stolen vehicle. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The victim, who has not been publicly identified, escaped without physical injuries but described the incident as terrifying. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that her quick thinking—escaping the vehicle, calling for help, and alerting police—was likely crucial in preventing further harm.
The Broader Context of Online Dating Safety
This disturbing incident underscores the potential risks associated with meeting strangers through social media and dating platforms. While millions of people successfully form friendships and relationships online every year, cases like this reveal how vulnerable individuals can become when interactions move from digital spaces to in-person encounters.
According to recent data from the Pew Research Center, more than 30% of U.S. adults report having used online dating services, and nearly half of those under 35 have met someone through an app or social media. However, law enforcement agencies continue to warn about the dangers of meeting individuals whose real identities and intentions may not be fully known.
In this case, Dennis’s cross-state travel, possession of a stolen car, and sudden outburst of violence paint a picture of a man whose behavior escalated unpredictably. Authorities have not released details about his prior criminal history, but the nature of the charges suggests that investigators are exploring whether the incident in Minnesota may be connected to other offenses.
Safety experts advise anyone meeting an online acquaintance for the first time to take several precautions: choose public, well-lit locations; inform a trusted friend or family member about the meeting details; avoid sharing personal information too quickly; and arrange independent transportation whenever possible. If at any point during a meeting a person feels unsafe or pressured, experts stress the importance of leaving the situation immediately and contacting law enforcement if necessary.
The use of social media platforms like Facebook for dating introduces additional complexities. Unlike traditional dating apps, which often include built-in safety measures such as verified profiles or location tracking, casual interactions on platforms like Facebook may lack such safeguards. This can make it easier for bad actors to misrepresent themselves or conceal criminal behavior.
For the victim in this case, what began as an ordinary online connection turned into a life-threatening experience. The physical escape from the vehicle and her prompt call for help ultimately prevented a tragedy, but the psychological toll of such an incident can be long-lasting.
Police departments nationwide have used cases like this to remind the public that while online communication offers convenience and connection, it also requires heightened awareness and caution. Even seemingly harmless interactions can turn dangerous if red flags—such as controlling behavior, anger, or pressure to isolate the other person—are ignored or overlooked.
Authorities in Minnesota have not said whether Dennis and the woman had met before or if their October encounter was their first in-person meeting. The fact that Dennis drove from another state suggests a level of obsession or premeditation that investigators are still working to understand.
As of his latest court appearance, Dennis remained in custody, with bail set pending the outcome of preliminary hearings. The charges of second-degree assault and fleeing a peace officer each carry potential prison terms of up to seven years under Minnesota law, while the charge of receiving stolen property adds further exposure. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek to ensure the safety of the victim as the case proceeds.
In the wake of the attack, the local community in Virginia, Minnesota, has expressed shock at the violent incident. Residents have voiced concerns about the increasing number of cases involving out-of-state suspects using social media to connect with local individuals, a trend that law enforcement says has been rising in recent years.
While most online encounters never escalate to violence, the unpredictability of human behavior means that even small precautions can make a critical difference. The case of Alexander Dennis Jr. serves as a stark reminder that digital relationships can blur the lines between trust and risk—sometimes with devastating consequences.
As investigators continue to piece together Dennis’s movements and motives, the victim’s harrowing experience stands as both a warning and a testament to survival. In an era where technology facilitates countless first meetings every day, her story underscores the need for vigilance, awareness, and a healthy dose of skepticism when stepping from behind the screen into the real world.