A series of assaults that took place in North Vancouver in late August all have one concerning connection.
According to the RCMP, the suspects used Grindr, a dating app designed primarily for the LGBTQ+ community, to lure victims into public before the assaults took place.
Two separate incidents were reported to the North Vancouver RCMP on Aug. 27 and Aug. 31. They took place at Eldon Park and Lynn Valley Elementary School respectively.
“In both instances, victims reported that they had been communicating with an individual through Grindr and agreed to meet in person,” an RCMP release explained.
“Upon arrival, both victims were confronted by groups of young people and assaulted or threatened. Both incidents also involved damage to the victims’ vehicles.”
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage believed to be related to those incidents and identified a third assault that occurred near Ross Road Elementary School on Aug. 29.
That incident had not been previously reported to police and investigators are working to identify the victim and others involved.
The RCMP says that all three incidents are “likely connected” based on the circumstances and evidence gathered to date.
“We are deeply concerned by these incidents and are pursuing all available avenues to identify those responsible,” said Cst. Paul Reece. “We encourage anyone with information or video that could assist our investigation to contact police.”
The North Vancouver RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit is leading the probe and conducting an extensive CCTV canvas of the areas where the assaults occurred.
Anyone with relevant video footage from the areas, or any additional information on these assaults, is urged to contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311.
