Police to review actions against street preacher

West End resident complains VPD failed to monitor actions of anti-gay evangelist

The Vancouver Police Board will review how the service dealt with a street preacher who came to the West End last summer with an anti-gay message and ended up charged with assault.

On Thursday, Vancouver police revealed that Dorre Love — who used a portable public-address system to preach — had been charged with assault in connection with a fight that left another man with a broken leg.

Love was arrested Aug. 22 after allegedly attacking a West End resident from behind, twisting him and breaking his leg. This came after the victim, Justin Morissette, had taken Love's microphone. Love was later released with an undertaking not to go into the West End. A warrant has now been issued for his arrest.

West End resident Ron Kidd filed a complaint with the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) in September, asking for a review of how the Vancouver police managed Love's case.

Love arrived from Toronto in May and for two months gave streetside sermons in the West End that included derogatory comments aimed at the LGBTQ community. It led to verbal confrontations with passersby, and ultimately the alleged assault after Morissette asked Love to turn down the sound.

Kidd described Love's preachings as “outrageously insulting if not bordering on outright hatred, and were always broadcast at extremely high volumes.”

“Despite the extent to which Mr. Love disrupted the quiet enjoyment of West End residents of their homes and public places, the VPD failed to continuously monitor Mr. Love. Therefore, it missed potential chances to prosecute Mr. Love for disturbing the peace or hate crimes, since police can only recommend charges if they have witnesses,” Kidd's complaint read.

The OPCC passed the complaint to the police board, which sent a letter to Kidd on Oct. 13 acknowledging the complaint and confirming it would be investigated.

Police board executive director Stephanie Johanssen confirmed with Postmedia News that Kidd's complaint was being investigated and wouldn't be dismissed.

Kidd said he believes Love is still in the city.

Justin Morissette is seen in hospital in August, after he suffered a broken left leg following a confrontation with an anti-gay preacher. Looking to take a vacation? Find inspiration, as well as helpful tips and great deals, in our Travel section on Saturdays.