Retired elementary school teacher arrested for indecent assault spanning 4 decades

A retired North Vancouver elementary school teacher was arrested by the North Vancouver RCMP at his home Thursday morning for seven counts of indecent assault against students who attended the school where he taught in the 70's and 80's.

Investigators also executed a search warrant at the man's residence at the time of his arrest.

Over a month ago, Mounties received the initial complaint about the man who is now 82. A total of 7 victims have come forward.

Police believe there are additional victims, and are asking them to contact police. 

"This is an ongoing, complex investigation involving allegations of sexual assaults that occurred over 40 years ago," said Sgt. Peter DeVries of North Vancouver RCMP. "Many of these assaults took place during the time of this man’s employment as a teacher at Upper Lynn Valley Elementary School between 1970 and 1982, with additional assaults alleged to have occurred after his employment as a teacher ended in 1982."

Via release, police say they are aware that there has been communication through social media between some individuals who may have been impacted. They are asking those people to speak with police.

"Our priorities right now are to speak with those who have not yet come forward, to gather all available evidence so we can thoroughly investigate these allegations, and to support all the victims as we undergo this process," said DeVries.

"We know that this will be upsetting news for members of the community, and especially for the victims," said DeVries. "For some, hearing about this may reignite memories of past trauma. If you are a victim, please, reach out for support. We want you to know that we are here, we will listen to you, and we will support you." North Vancouver RCMP's Crisis Intervention Unit provides support to victims and witnesses of crime and other significant traumatic events, and can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 604-969-7540.