Agassiz RCMP looking into claims of threats at Harrison campground, social media posts

AGASSIZ (NEWS 1130) – Mounties in Agassiz are trying to figure out what happened at a campsite near West Harrison Lake over the long weekend after a woman claimed a group of men threatened her and her friends.

Police say they’re investigating the allegations, as well as social media posts made by the woman which include pictures of the men, two of whom have been identified as members of a local rugby club.

In a Facebook post, the woman alleges she, her boyfriend, and a friend encountered the men on Friday at the 55 kilometre marker on the Harrison Forest Service Road, where several campsites sit.

When the three got there, the four men — and two women with them — were taking up most of the spots.

“[One of the men] screamed that they had guns and were going to shoot them in our direction,” the woman recalls in her Facebook post. “He screamed that he’s going to slash our tires and blare music all night just to piss us off.”

The woman claims the men’s tactics even drove away a family with a nine-year-old child.

“They just arrived, unloaded and pitched there tent when their neighbours kicked them out,” the woman writes. “I couldn’t believe these guys were using threats and intimidation to reserve a camping spot so they wouldn’t have neighbours.”

RCMP looking into concerns

The Agassiz RCMP confirms it’s looking into what happened, and is asking anyone who was there to contact investigators.

“Agassiz RCMP is continuing to conduct a thorough investigation into the accusations and into the statements posted on social media,” the department writes. “The complainant has posted video and some personal information of the campers online. This is also being investigated.”

Concerns have also been raised about the social media posts made by the woman, which investigators are also probing.

“The complainant has posted video and some personal information of the campers online. This is also being investigated,” says the release. “While social media is an important tool for sharing information it can also provide a platform to spread misinformation for the reason of humiliating or shaming others causing needless stress within the community.”

The RCMP adds it can also potentially impact unintended victims, such as friends or families of those allegedly involved. Mounties are encouraging people to report such interactions to police first and to leave the investigations to the authorities.

One of the men pictured in the accusatory post tells NEWS 1130 he and his girlfriend were caught in the middle and that he’s now receiving threats.

Local rugby club confirms members accused, awaits investigation findings

Meanwhile, the Ridge Meadows Bruins Rugby Club confirms two of the men are members.

“The Ridge Meadows Bruins Rugby Club is aware of social media posts regarding an incident and alleged actions by two of our members who were on a personal camping trip, not a club event,” says a Facebook post. “It is also understand (sic) that there is a police investigation, which the Club fully supports and eagerly awaits its results.”

The club, which has launched its own investigation, says it doesn’t condone the behaviour alleged.  while urging people not to judge the club or its members based on “unverified claims and accusations in social media.”

But it says the men will be held accountable by the law and by the club if the allegations are found to be true.