North Vancouver RCMP investigating series of assaults linked to Grindr dating app
Three incidents in August saw victims targeted through the dating app, confronted by groups and assaulted. Police seek CCTV footage and information.
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North Vancouver RCMP are investigating a series of assaults where victims were lured through the Grindr dating app, invited to meet, and then confronted by groups of young people who assaulted or threatened them.
Three incidents occurred in August: two were reported to police on Aug. 27 and Aug. 31, while a third was identified through camera surveillance footage and occurred Aug. 29 near Ross Road Elementary School. That third assault had not been previously reported to police. All three incidents took place in evening hours in North Vancouver neighbourhoods — two in Lynn Valley and one in Edgemont Village.
Investigators from the North Vancouver RCMP Serious Crimes Unit believe all three incidents are likely connected. Vehicle damage occurred in both reported incidents. Police are working to identify the victim in the Aug. 29 assault and the people involved in all three cases.
"We are deeply concerned by these incidents and are pursuing all available avenues to identify those responsible," said RCMP Const. Paul Reece. "Anyone who has been a victim of assault is encouraged to come forward."
Police are conducting an extensive CCTV canvass of the assault areas and are requesting video footage or dash-camera recordings from three locations: Eldon Park (Aug. 27), Ross Road Elementary (Aug. 29), and Lynn Valley Elementary (Aug. 31).
Anyone with information can contact North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and reference file numbers #26-18057, #26-18481, or #26-20739. Anonymous tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
What is the extent of injuries sustained by the victims?
Have any suspects been identified or arrested in connection with these assaults?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many assaults are North Vancouver RCMP investigating?
Three incidents occurred in August in North Vancouver neighbourhoods, where victims were lured through Grindr and assaulted by groups of young people.
Where should people report information about these assaults?
North Vancouver RCMP can be reached at 604-985-1311, or anonymous tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
