An Alberta man who police say is a member of the vigilante group Creep Catchers has been charged with criminal harassment and mischief.
Lacombe police said the suspect had been communicating online with a person for about three months.
In November, police said the suspect convinced the person “under a false pretence” to meet in person in Lacombe.
The alleged victim met the man, who approached him, put a cellphone in his face and said he was being busted by Creep Catchers, police said.
The incident was captured on video and posted to the Red Deer Creep Catchers Facebook page but police said the posting has since been removed.
“In this case, police believe the victim was targeted online and lured into a situation by a person or group using vigilante-type tactics without justification or facts to support their claims,” Acting chief of police Lorne Blumhagen said in a media release.
Karl Young of Red Deer has since been charged with criminal harassment and mischief. The 37-year-old was released on conditions, which state he is to have no contact with the victim. He is not allowed to access or use a computer or cellphone except for work purposes.
Police said the investigation is ongoing as there may have been a second suspect involved in the incident.
Young is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 9.
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