THE discovery of an unconscious teen near a North Vancouver trail, which touched off a major police response on Sunday, has now been deemed a medical issue rather than a criminal matter.
A hiker found the 15-year-old about 200 metres from the head of Kilmer Trail on Dempsey Road just before 3 p.m. and called 9-1-1. Police cordoned off the area while paramedics rushed the unresponsive youth to Lions Gate Hospital for treatment.
Fearing the teen might have been the victim of an assault, investigators initially treated the site as a possible crime scene, combing the area for clues and speaking with neighbours. Meanwhile, reports in the media sparked a flurry of speculation on Twitter.
At about 6: 30 p.m., the victim woke up in hospital, and was able to explain to family and RCMP officers what had happened. Based on her account, which has not been released, investigators concluded she had suffered a medical issue, and that no foul play had been involved.
"We didn't know what we had for hours," said Cpl. Richard De Jong, a spokesman for the North Vancouver RCMP. "It looked a lot worse than it was."
The young woman was kept in hospital overnight for observation, but is expected to make a full recovery.
North Vancouver RCMP say they are continuing to investigate the incident.
