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The alleged assaults occurred in the 1970s and 1980s and involved students at Upper Lynn Valley Elementary School.
File photo of an empty classroom Photo by Getty Images
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Police have arrested a retired North Vancouver elementary school teacher while investigating at least seven cases of indecent assault against students in the 1970s and 1980s.
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North Vancouver RCMP made the arrest after a complaint filed on June 14 led to an investigation that revealed a total of seven victims, with police believing there were likely more.
The man, now 82, was arrested Thursday morning and his residence was also searched, said RCMP Sgt. Peter DeVries.
“This is a complex and ongoing 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 teaching employment ended. finish in 1982”.
DeVries said some of the people who may have been involved have been speaking out on social media and police are also asking them to speak with them.
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“Our priorities right now are to speak with those who have not yet 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 disturbing news for members of the community, and especially for the victims,” DeVries said. “For some, hearing about this 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 to hear you and to 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.