Richmond RCMP is investigating a teen swarming and alleged assault of a 14-year-old girl who was lured to a city centre park.
Officers were called to Garden City Park just before 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18 after receiving a report of an incident involving at least 10 youths.
According to the victim, she had been contacted by a girl known to her and arranged to meet her at the park.
Once there, she was allegedly confronted by at least 10 youths and, when she attempted to leave the area, she was pursued by the group.
According to media reports, an adult woman in the area, along with some family members and friends, came to the girl’s aid and shielded her from the group, which had followed her into the fenced Garden City dog park.
Group continued to advance despite woman in the way
Despite the presence of other adults, the group, say police, continued to try to get at the girl, with one of the swarm allegedly firing a pellet gun in their direction.
Prior to police arriving, the swarm dispersed, however, five youths allegedly involved in the incident were arrested. All five were released to the custody of their guardians.
“We want to commend those who came to the aid of this youth victim, stepping in to protect her from the suspects while calling 9-1-1. This was a brave and commendable act,” said the RCMP’s Cpl. Adriana O’Malley.
“We recognize this was extremely difficult…”
The RCMP said it has called in its Youth Section to assist with the investigation, which is “active and ongoing.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2022-22277.
