A Nanaimo man is facing multiple charges linked to alleged indecent acts in suburban Victoria and Burnaby (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

public exposure

Nanaimo man held in custody for several alleged indecent exposure incidents

Mar 29, 2024 | 7:40 AM

NANAIMO — A local man remains in custody following two alleged flashing incidents on the south Island, along with a similar allegation on the Lower Mainland.

Douglas Lance Laplante, 36, faces eight different charges from three separate incidents where he allegedly exposed himself and committed indecent acts, including instances involving minors.

Westshore RCMP were called to a restaurant in Colwood on Sunday, March 24 around 10:15 a.m. and arrested Laplante who several witnesses said “exposed himself in a sexual manner…including children.”

“The suspect was held in custody and brought before the courts the following day, where he was subsequently released by way of a release order with several conditions including to remain fully clothed while in public places, and not to expose his genitals in a public place,” a release from the detachment read.

Three days later, on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 27 Laplante is alleged to have been under the Six Mile Rd. bridge in View Royal, committing more indecent acts in “plain view” of several youths, according to RCMP.

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Laplante was arrested within two hours of the incident and held in custody.

Police also said Laplante, after missing a court date, was wanted in connection to a November 2023 incident in Burnaby, which mirrored the alleged offences this week.

Laplante appeared before a judge in the Western Communities Provincial Court to begin answering to five counts of committing indecent act in public place from the three incidents.

He also was charged with one court of exposing genitals to a person under 16, and two breaches of a release order.

Laplante’s next court appearance is April 2.

“Sexual crimes against youths not only affect the victims, but can have lasting effects on the entire community, Cst. Andrew Matheson, said in a release. “We are pleased to see this individual off the streets and want to thank the witnesses for their bravery in calling the police right away.”

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