In a shocking incident on March 27, 2025, police were called to the Calder neighbourhood following a brutal assault on an adult. The victim, who had arranged to meet someone through the 2SLGBTQI+ social media app Grindr, was ambushed by a large group of youths upon arrival.

The assailants not only assaulted the individual but also struck them with blunt objects and stole their belongings, leaving the victim with serious injuries requiring emergency medical treatment.

After an extensive investigation, police were able to identify multiple suspects involved in this alarming incident, revealing that the victim had been lured under false pretenses.

On April 17 and 18, 2025, authorities executed search warrants across various locations, leading to the arrest of six male youths, aged 15 to 16, who now face serious charges including aggravated assault, robbery, and mischief exceeding $5,000.

Detective Scott Rowbotham from the Investigative Response Team expressed deep concern over the use of social media to facilitate such dangerous situations. He urged the public to exercise caution when meeting individuals from online platforms. “Always let someone know your plans, and pick a safe location,” he advised.

Rowbotham also highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with internet-related incidents, emphasizing the importance of reporting such crimes as soon as possible. He noted that the EPS Hate Crimes Unit is involved in the investigation to determine if the assault was motivated by hatred towards the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

As the investigation continues, police are on the lookout for new evidence, hinting that more arrests could be imminent in this deeply concerning case.