NORTH Vancouver RCMP are investigating a series of assaults involving victims who were allegedly invited to meet through the Grindr dating application and subsequently confronted by groups of young people.
(Grindr is a free dating app serving the LGBTQ community.)
Two separate incidents were reported to police on August 27 and August 31. In both instances, victims reported that they had been communicating with an individual through Grindr and agreed to meet in person. Upon arrival, both victims were confronted by groups of young people and assaulted or threatened. Both incidents also involved damage to the victims’ vehicles.
Upon reviewing CCTV footage believed to be related to these incidents, investigators have identified a third assault that occurred on August 29 near Ross Road Elementary School. That incident had not previously been reported to police and investigators are working to identify the victim and people involved.
Based on the circumstances and evidence gathered to date, investigators believe all three incidents are likely connected.
“We are deeply concerned by these incidents and are pursuing all available avenues to identify those responsible,” said Constable Paul Reece of North Vancouver RCMP on Thursday. “We encourage anyone with information or video that could assist our investigation to contact police.”
The North Vancouver RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit is conducting an extensive CCTV canvass in the areas where the assaults occurred. Police are asking anyone who may have relevant CCTV or dash-camera footage from the areas and dates in question to contact investigators. This includes anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or captured footage in the vicinity of:
* Eldon Park on August 27;
* Ross Road Elementary School on August 29; or
* Lynn Valley Elementary School on August 31.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file numbers #26-18057, #26-18481 and #26-20739. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
