Police warn parents about Grindr hook-up app

A 54-year-old Vancouver man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a 15-year-old North Vancouver youth after using a new mobile GPS technology designed to help gay men hook up.

Brent Tynan, 54, of Vancouver, faces charges of sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and sexual assault, RCMP Cpl. Marlene Morton said in a press release.

Police said the 15-year-old youth said he met the suspect through an application called Grindr, a social networking tool that connects users to gay and bisexual men who are nearby, Morton said. The application works on mobile devices that have a built-in GPS function to determine the exact location of the user and instantly connect them with other men.

Morton told The Vancouver Sun that the charges stem from events that occurred in North Vancouver last August.

"Closer to the time of the arrest [April 13], he became reacquainted with the victim and the person who called us was the victim’s mother," Morton said.

"Meet guys at home or on the road for free," is the promotion on Grindr’s website. "Start chatting with local guys in seconds. The go-to place for gay, bi, and curious guys to meet, the location-based Grindr is free, fast, and fun. Simply launch Grindr to see local guys (the closest appear first) and view pictures, stats, and map locations at a tap."

Grindr works on smart phones and displays photos and personal information about men who have signed up. The app has a chatting function, as well as private message functions.

Tynan was arrested in Vancouver by the Sex Crimes Unit of the North Vancouver RCMP on April 13 and made his first appearance in court on April 14. He’s expected back in court today.

Morton urged parents to keep a close eye on their kids.

"I can’t say how important it is to know who your kids are going out with and what they’re doing," she said. "Any 54-year-old person – unless they’re a soccer or hockey coach or a teacher – why would they want to hang out with a young teen?"

Sex Crimes Unit Sgt. Jeanette Theisen encouraged parents to have open and frank discussions with their children.

"Advances in technology and social networking make it easier for our children to come into contact with individuals who may try to harm them or take advantage of them," Theisen said.

tsherlock@vancouversun.com