Record Staff
The Sherbrooke Police Service (SPS) received two emergency calls within an hour early Thursday Morning, Aug 8, both related to men who reported arranging to meet an individual through Grindr, a social networking and dating app for gay, bi, trans and queer people.
According to a press release published by the SPS, the first call came in at approximately 1:30 a.m. Thursday, reporting an assault on a man by three individuals near 910 Larocque Street in Sherbrooke. About 45 minutes later, a similar call was made near the intersection of Aberdeen and Gillespie, the SPS statement said.
Both victims reported having met an individual through Grindr. The suspect’s method involved arranging a meeting with each victim, who was then surrounded and assaulted by three individuals upon arrival. One victim was reportedly sprayed with pepper spray, while the other was struck with a blunt object.
Both victims were transported to hospital as a precautionary measure and to treat minor injuries. A criminal investigation is ongoing, with limited information currently available regarding the description of the three suspects, who fled on foot.
The SPS statement included a reminder to anyone using dating platforms to arrange meetings in public places, inform a friend or family member of the meeting details (location, time), and keep a phone handy for emergencies.
Information about this crime or any other can be reported anonymously to the police by contacting “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-711-1800 or via their website www.echecaucrime.com. This organization is composed of volunteers, not police officers, who forward the information to the authorities without identifying the source.
The Record reached out to the Sherbrooke Police Service for more information, but they did not respond before press time.
