North Van RCMP investigate assaults tied to Grindr dating app meet-ups

The Story

North Vancouver RCMP are investigating a series of assaults on victims who police say were invited to meet through the Grindr dating app before being assaulted or threatened by groups of young people.

Police said two separate incidents were reported on Aug. 27 and Aug. 31 in North Vancouver. In both cases, victims reported communicating with someone through the Grindr app and agreeing to meet in person, then being confronted by groups of young people upon arrival and assaulted or threatened.

RCMP said both Aug. 27 and Aug. 31 incidents also involved damage to the victims’ vehicles.

Investigators said they identified a third assault after reviewing camera surveillance footage believed to be connected to the cases. Police said the additional assault occurred on Aug. 29 near Ross Road Elementary School and had not previously been reported to police; investigators are working to identify the victim and people involved.

RCMP said two of the incidents took place in Lynn Valley and one took place in Edgemont Village. Based on the circumstances and evidence gathered so far, investigators believe all three incidents, which occurred in the evening hours, are likely connected.

Const. Paul Reece said in an RCMP statement that investigators are actively investigating all lines of inquiry and encouraged anyone who has been a victim of an assault to come forward.

RCMP said the Serious Crimes Unit is conducting an extensive CCTV canvass in the areas where the assaults occurred and is asking for relevant CCTV or dash-camera footage from Eldon Park on Aug. 27, Ross Road Elementary on Aug. 29, and Lynn Valley Elementary on Aug. 31.

Police asked anyone with information or video that could assist the investigation to contact 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).