North Vancouver RCMP are investigating three connected assaults in which victims reported meeting attackers after communicating through the Grindr app.
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North Vancouver RCMP say they are investigating what they believe are a series of connected assaults involving people who used the Grindr app to arrange in-person meetings.
Police said two incidents were reported on Aug. 27 and Aug. 31. In both cases, victims told investigators they communicated with a person through Grindr and agreed to meet in person.
RCMP said that after the victims arrived, they were confronted by groups of young people and assaulted or threatened, and that both incidents involved damage to the victims’ vehicles.
Investigators also believe they identified a third assault on Aug. 29 near Ross Road Elementary School after reviewing CCTV footage. RCMP said that victim had not reported the incident and that police are hoping the person comes forward.
RCMP said, based on the circumstances and evidence gathered to date, investigators believe all three incidents are likely connected.
Const. Paul Reece of the North Vancouver RCMP said in a release that the force is “deeply concerned” and is pursuing available avenues to identify those responsible, and encouraged anyone with information or video that could assist the investigation to contact police.
RCMP said its Serious Crimes Unit is conducting an extensive CCTV canvass in the areas where the assaults occurred, and asked for anyone with relevant CCTV or dash camera footage from the dates and locations in question.
Police said potential footage may include areas including Eldon Park on Aug. 27, Ross Road Elementary School on Aug. 29, and Lynn Valley Elementary School on Aug. 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. RCMP said information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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