B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has asked everyone to remain calm during the pandemic.

But in the wake of a violent event involving youth in Vancouver’s West Side that has shocked the city, police are also asking for calm for a different reason.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) issued a statement today (April 27) that there has been an increase in “potentially harmful online rhetoric” following the fatal stabbing of a male teenager at Almond Park in Dunbar on April 24. Two groups of teens were involved in the altercation.

The 15-year-old victim died at B.C. Children’s Hospital on April 25.

Police arrested and charged a 14-year-old boy with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

“We are alarmed by some of the social media chatter that has misidentified some teens as being involved in this incident, and inappropriately singled out others for retribution,” VPD spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison stated in a news release. “Today is the first school day following a district-wide professional development day, and we’re asking everyone to be respectful of each other and mindful about what they post online.”

The VPD expressed concerns about potential for agitation to escalate. 

“Tensions and emotions are running high, and we’re very worried this could lead to more conflict amongst youth,” Addison added. “We’re pleading with teens to take a deep breath and to stay calm, and we ask parents to speak to their kids about what they’re posting on social media so we can avoid any other serious incidents.”

Additional officers are being deployed to the area, and others may be reallocated if required.