Vancouver (Josh Olund BCIT Radio A&E) – Vancouver Police confirm they are now looking into the sexual misconduct allegations against Canuck splayer Jake Virtanen.
The VPD says they have made conduct with the complaint after learning of the allegations in media coverage over the weekend. Police said they’re unable to provide further details “in the interest of privacy and to protect the integrity of the investigative process.”
Virtanen had been placed on leave from the team over the weekend after the accusations first came up. The Canucks have said the 24-year-old will remain on leave while an independent investigation is conducted.
An Instagram account that is dedicated to sharing stories of sexual assault posted allegations over the weekend from a woman who claims Virtanen sexually assaulted her in a Vancouver hotel in 2017 when she was 18.
In a statement over the weekend, the organization stated it does not accept sexual misconduct of any kind, adding the claims are being treated very seriously.At the time, the VPD said the Sex Crimes Unit hadn’t received a report of assault allegations to be perpetrated by an NHL player.
In its latest statement, the VPD reiterates that police“generally speaking… do not identify victims in sexual assault cases. Suspects are only identified if they are charged, following the investigation.
