Alberta Creep Catcher charged with harassment, mischief

A member of the vigilante group Creep Catchers is facing charges of harassment and mischief after heaccosted a Lacombe man, police say.

Lacombe police charged a 37-year-old Red Deer man Sunday after investigating a series of conversations between the suspect and a man in his 20s on social media.

Acting Police Chief Lorne Blumhagen saidthe suspect used false pretences to convince the complainantto meet in person in Lacombe, about 125 kilometres south of Edmonton.

The suspect accusedthe man oftrying to communicate with someone online for sexual purposes.

Blumhagen said the man was trying to walk away, butwas impeded by the suspect who made comments ofa "threatening nature."

The suspectthen posted a Facebook video of himself accosting the man.

Creep Catchers is a vigilante group that aims to expose peopleit believes are targeting childrenfor sexual activity.

Blumhagensaid vigilante-type tactics are not only dangerous but "irresponsiblebecause they're making assumptions based on very little information.

"They suspect somebody might be committing an illegal act," he said. "However, they aren't advising police or giving police the opportunity to investigate what claims they may have."

The accused is due in provincial court in Red Deer on Friday.