Police investigating daredevil videos of 'urban climber' in Vancouver
A social media daredevil has been doing death-defying stunts in the Vancouver area, prompting safety concerns and at least one police investigation.
The thrill-seeker describes himself online as a 23-year-old "train surfer and urban climber" who is "home-free," as opposed to homeless.
Since December 2023, the daredevil has posted several pictures and videos of himself in precarious positions, including one in which he claims to be urinating off a tower on the Lions Gate Bridge.
In another video, posted last week on Instagram, he can be seen standing between two SkyTrain cars that are hurtling toward Stadium-Chinatown Station in Vancouver.
Many online commenters have cheered the stunts on – something that can encourage these kinds of daredevils to put themselves in even greater danger, according to Matthew Johnson, a social media expert with MediaSmarts.
"It's definitely possible that some of the features of the platform, including likes and interactions with commenters are pushing people to take more risks," said Johnson.
Several of the posts show the man engaged in potentially criminal activity.
"The kind of behavior that's depicted on these videos is certainly not something that's advisable from any perspective whatsoever," said Sarah Leamon, a Vancouver-based criminal lawyer. "And certainly not from a legal perspective."
When one commenter threatened to send his picture to police, the poster wrote: "Make sure they are good photos, can't have an ugly mugshot."
According to Metro Vancouver Transit Police, the SkyTrain stunt is already under investigation.
A social media daredevil rides on the outside of a SkyTrain heading towards downtown Vancouver. (Instagram)
In a statement, Const. Travis Blair described the behaviour as "extremely dangerous," with the potential to result in "life-long injuries or death."
"Riding, standing or holding onto the exterior of a transit vehicle is an offence punishable by fine or charges," Blair told CTV News.
The Vancouver Police Department, which has jurisdiction over some incidents on the Lions Gate Bridge, said it is also reviewing the daredevil's videos.
"Videos like these are sometimes posted on social media by people trying to gain attention and build their online following," Sgt. Steve Addison said in an email, adding that authorities are concerned about drawing attention to the account because it could "encourage copy-cat behaviour."
The social media platform's terms of service do not explicitly prohibit dangerous behaviour, but they do ban criminal activity, meaning the poster is likely in violation of those terms.
"This person clearly is trespassing and violating a number of other laws so when we see content like this online, we do have the option to report it," said Johnson.
CTV News has been unable to reach the person behind the account for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a commission of inquiry has found.
WATCH LIVE Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Supreme Court orders new trial for B.C. francophone who was not given French option
The Supreme Court is ordering a new trial for a francophone man in British Columbia who says he was not informed of his right to have a trial in the official language of his choice.
Princess Anne to take part in B.C. ceremony bringing new ship into Pacific fleet
The first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel for Canada's Pacific fleet will officially be commissioned in a ceremony featuring Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles.