Surrey Creep Catchers founder Ryan Laforge charged with assault

Creep Catchers founder faces criminal charges Ryan Laforge and Creep Catcher member Lance Loy are each charged with one count of assault.

Surrey Creep Catchers founder Ryan Laforge has been charged with assault and uttering threats in connection with two stings by the controversial vigilante group.

Mounties in Surrey say the first charges stem from an April 3 confrontation between Laforge and a man who has since been charged with child luring.

The second incident occurred on April 19. RCMP say there was a confrontation between three members of the Surrey Creep Catchers and a man believed to be involved in child luring.

Two men were taken into custody at the scene in the 10100-block of King George Boulevard: The man accused of child luring, and 37-year-old Lance Loy, who is a member of Creep Catchers. Laforge is alleged to have fled the scene before police arrived.

Both Loy and Laforge are now charged with one count of assault, Mounties said Thursday.

An arrest warrant was issued for Laforge, who turned himself in to Surrey court and was released on $1,000 bail later in the day. His release is subject to several conditions including reporting to a probation officer, having no contact with his co-accused or targets of the stings, and having no weapons in his possession.

Loy also appeared in court on Thursday in connection with his charge.

The men are expected to return to court to fix a date for a future hearing on June 1.

Mounties said a third suspect is being investigated in connection to the incidents, but have not provided more information on who the suspect is or what charges he may face.

Police are using the charges to once again remind the public that vigilantism poses "significant risks," and puts ongoing police investigations at potential risk.

“Using our highly trained investigators in a controlled environment is the best way to get dangerous offenders off our streets and ensure they are held accountable," said Cpl. Scotty Schumann.

Investigations into the child luring allegations are ongoing, RCMP said, and anyone with information is asked to contact them at 604-599-0502.

With files from CTV Vancouver's Penny Daflos