A man and a missing teenage girl were discovered hiding in a vacant home in northwest Harris County, and what authorities discovered has raised new concerns about how online gaming can be used to target kids.
The incident began on Thursday, when deputies from Constable Mark Herman’s Office responded to a suspicious complaint in the 1000 block of Cold Snow Drive. The homeowner told investigators that a man and a woman were inside his house, which was meant to be empty.
When deputies arrived, the duo attempted to flee but did not make it far. They later identified Tarik Exavier Jammer, 26, as the suspect. The girl, who was only 15 years old, had been missing from California since May of last year.
Investigators said the two met while playing an online video game. The girl was only 14 when she ran away from home to be with Jammer, and the two have supposedly been in a love connection ever since.
Authorities claim Jammer picked her up at the airport after she departed California. He initially said she was 19, but thithe numbers incorrect. She is a minor, and cops say they discovered obscene videos of her on his phone.
Jammer has been charged with sexual performance of aschild and is being held in Harris County Jail on a $50,000 bond. A pThey have granted a protective order keep him away from the teen.
The officials are currently securing the girl and caring for her while she awaits her family’s reunion.
“This is a reminder for parents to stay alert,” CEO of Children at Risk Bob Sanborn said. “It’s not just Snapchat or Facebook—video games are another space where predators can easily connect with kids. It may seem harmless, but there’s a lot of contact and grooming that happens there, especially between young girls and older men.”
Jammer told police they met on social media, but detectives discovered the link began in a game chat.
The case is still being investigated, and authorities say additional charges may be made.
