North Vancouver RCMP say they have arrested a retired elementary school teacher as part of an investigation into allegations of sexual assault dating back more than four decades.
RCMP said Thursday that the retired teacher, now 82, was arrested following an investigation into seven incidents of indecent assault. Investigators also executed a search warrant at his North Vancouver residence at the time of his arrest.
Sgt. Peter DeVries said many of the alleged assaults occurred while the teacher worked at Upper Lynn Valley Elementary from 1970 to 1982. Additional assaults are alleged to have occurred after he stopped teaching in 1982.
Crews say the initial report was made in mid-June, and since then seven alleged victims have come forward.
DeVries said police are looking to speak with anyone who was victimized by the teacher or had an interaction that made them feel uncomfortable or inappropriate.
“We know there are more victims, and one of the things we’re doing today is asking those people to come forward,” he said.
DeVries said the RCMP cannot release the name of the attempted teacher as no charges have been laid.
RCMP say they are aware of conversations on social media between “individuals who may have been affected” and are asking them to speak to police.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the RCMP. Police say victim support is available.