Graffiti suspect turns himself into Maple Ridge RCMP, who urge public not to draw conclusions

GOLDEN EARS PROVINCIAL PARK – Police in Maple Ridge can now confirm that an arrest has been made into a widely-circulated incident caught on video in which a man is seen defacing a boulder at Golden Ears Provincial Park near Maple Ridge.

In a statement, Maple Ridge RCMP say the alleged suspect turned himself into police last week and has since been released on a promise to appear in court.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing as officers continue to gather evidence, obtain additional information and prepare reports for “potential” criminal proceedings.

In video posted to 604 Raw, a man is seen defacing a boulder with red spray paint in memory of someone who drowned in early August at the park.

A man with a spray paint can in his possession. (Image Credit: 604 Raw.)

Maple Ridge RCMP say they are also working closely with BC Parks staff, who are conducting a parallel investigation under the BC Parks Act.

“Maple Ridge RCMP recognizes the significant public interest in this matter and understands the concerns expressed by residents and park users. While the investigation progresses, the public is encouraged to avoid drawing conclusions until all the facts have been fully examined,” police said.

Last week, BC Parks personnel said the graffiti memorial sprayed on rocks at Golden Ears Park was a misguided tribute and an act of vandalism.

The agency says it learned about the graffiti on boulders near the park’s Gold Creek after reports from concerned members of the public.

A video on social media shows a message on the boulders dated Aug. 4, one day after the drowning death of a man in the creek’s Lower Falls area.

“While we recognize that this event has had a significant impact on family members, friends and the broader community, vandalism within protected areas is not appropriate and can negatively affect the natural environment and visitor experience,” the Ministry of Environment and Parks said in an emailed statement to the Canadian Press.

The Canadian Press reports that Langley resident Steven Lourenco said he was visiting the park when he heard about the vandalism, but the graffiti’s memorial message doesn’t change his opinion about it being an inappropriate tribute.

“Nobody that I’ve ever seen has gone to this measure to memorialize somebody,” he said in an interview, adding the person responsible should have to pay cleanup costs.

BC Parks has previously said it was evaluating whether water levels are safe enough to remove the graffiti, or if seasonal water flows might remove it over time.

The ministry said the area of Gold Creek where the graffiti is located is the site of multiple deaths and injuries from people entering the water and being swept into dangerous currents and over the falls.

The park is encouraging visitors to obey warning signs and leave natural features undisturbed.