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West Vancouver police respond to hazing incident

An abduction prank that tied up police resources for multiple hours on the weekend was part of a youth sports team initiation, says the West Vancouver Police Department. West Van police received reports from the public, around 3:30 p.m.
WV police

An abduction prank that tied up police resources for multiple hours on the weekend was part of a youth sports team initiation, says the West Vancouver Police Department.

West Van police received reports from the public, around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, of two males appearing to force another young male into a vehicle in the 100-block of Bonnymuir Drive. Many police resources were involved during the investigation into the incident, including detectives, patrol members and communications staff, said WVPD spokesman Const. Jeff Palmer.

“While we are in the course of this (investigation), you have to treat it as a serious circumstance until you can confirm otherwise,” added Palmer.

By early Sunday evening, after a call for information went out through traditional and social media, the young men involved in the incident contacted the WVPD to confirm it was a prank. “It’s been clearly communicated to the participants that came forward that it was not even close to clever,” said Palmer. “It potentially could have exposed them and a lot of people to the risks of police response.”

The young men involved in Saturday’s escapade will not be facing any charges. “This circumstance doesn’t meet the elements (of a public mischief charge) because there isn’t an intent to deceive authorities,” explained Palmer.

Adults supervising the sports team the young men belong to told the WVPD they will immediately address the initiation matter with the players.