An online dating encounter turns violent as a Florida man allegedly runs over a foot model after she refused his bizarre request, highlighting the dangers of meeting strangers on dating apps.
Story Snapshot
- A Florida man allegedly runs over a foot model with his SUV after she rejects his request to smell her feet.
- The incident occurred at a hotel in Aventura, Florida, following a meeting arranged on a dating app.
- The suspect, Elmoncy Sercle, has a history of similar attacks involving women met through dating apps.
- Law enforcement warns of the risks associated with online dating and fetish-related encounters.
The Incident at Aventura Hotel
On August 24, 2025, a foot model met Elmoncy Sercle, 28, at a hotel in Aventura, Florida, after connecting on the dating app Seeking.com. Sercle’s peculiar request to sniff her feet and purchase used sneakers for $1,000 led to uncomfortable tension. When the woman excused herself to the bathroom, believing a theft had occurred, she pursued Sercle to the parking lot. There, Sercle allegedly ran her over with his SUV, causing injuries before fleeing the scene.
Florida man allegedly runs over foot model with car on their first date after she refused to let him smell her feet https://t.co/fj3f1URISr pic.twitter.com/BcHaNI5HDb
— New York Post (@nypost) September 3, 2025
Pattern of Violence in Online Dating
The incident underscores a growing concern about the safety of online dating encounters, especially those involving niche fetishes. Sercle’s arrest on August 28, 2025, at the same hotel marks another entry in his alleged history of similar crimes. Previous cases highlight a disturbing pattern: meeting women through dating apps, leading them to secluded locations, and escalating to violence or theft. This incident stands out due to its bizarre nature and the violent escalation from a fetish-related request.
Implications for Online Dating Platforms
Law enforcement and dating platforms face increasing pressure to enhance safety measures and protect users from potential dangers. This case may influence how platforms like Seeking.com handle user safety and how law enforcement approaches crimes originating from online encounters. The anonymity and transactional nature of these meetings can exacerbate risks, prompting discussions about stricter verification and safety protocols.
The victim, who described the encounter as “extremely bizarre,” awaits justice as Sercle faces aggravated battery charges with a court appearance scheduled for September 29, 2025. The ongoing investigation into Sercle’s other potential victims highlights the pervasive issue of violence linked to online dating, urging users to exercise caution and platforms to implement robust safety measures.
