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Police have arrested a retired North Vancouver elementary school teacher as they investigate at least seven cases of indecent assault on students in the 1970s and 80s.
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North Vancouver RCMP made the arrest following a tip on June 14 that led to an investigation that revealed a total of seven victims and police believe there may have been more. The man, now 82, was arrested Thursday morning and his residence was also searched, said RCMP Sgt. Peter DeVries. “This is an ongoing, complex investigation involving allegations of sexual assault that occurred more than 40 years ago,” DeVries said. “Many of these assaults took place during this man’s employment as a teacher at Upper Lynn Valley Elementary School between 1970 and 1982, with additional assaults allegedly occurring after his employment as a teacher ended in 1982.” DeVries said some of the people who may be involved have been talking on social media and police are asking them to talk to them as well.
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“Our priorities at this time are to speak to those who have yet to come forward, gather all available evidence so we can thoroughly investigate these allegations and support all victims as we go through this process,” he said in a statement. “We know this will be devastating news for members of the community, and especially for the victims,” DeVries said. “For some, hearing about it can rekindle memories of past trauma. If you are a victim, please reach out for support. We want you to know that we are here, we will listen to you and we will support you.” Anyone with information or who believes they were a victim is asked to call police at 604-969-7593. A crisis intervention line is also available for those dealing with crime and other trauma 24/7 at 604-969-7540. More news, less ads: Our in-depth journalism is made possible by the support of our subscribers. For just $3.50 a week, you can get unlimited, ad-lite access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, the National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.
