Reno / Tahoe PSA -Reports of Harassment

Hello all,

As someone fairly involved with the climbing community in the area I want to bring an issue to everyone’s attention.
I have received several heads ups and stories about a white male 6’+ by the name “Paul”, verbally/sexually harassing women. So far I have two instances from Big Chief that are documented (one was even reported to Truckee PD). The other issues arising from around Reno.
He has been described as fairly aggressive in his advances and not understanding when someone is uninterested. One person reportedly had to flee Big Chief due to the discomfort.

This is a reminder to be vigilant and report any wrongful behavior to a relevant local agency. As well as updating any of these situations to local groups, whether on here, FB, WhatsApp etc. 

Thanks,

Colby Wangler

Bump. How about outing this dude as hard as possible? We don’t need more Charlie Barretts. Unless he’s out there soloing, somebody is out there belaying this harassing POS.

Colonel Mustard wrote:

Bump. How about outing this dude as hard as possible? We don’t need more Charlie Barretts. Unless he’s out there soloing, somebody is out there belaying this harassing POS.

Working on it, have limited info. Starting to seem like enough to attack full bore though, I’m already working with the gyms in Reno to get ahead of it also. 

Not sure why there are deleted posts in this thread and I can’t follow what yall are saying. however if anyone has an actual issue with a post like this or anything moving forward, please bring it directly to me and I’ll be sure to clarify any confusion.

Thanks

Colby Wangler

Update: at least one gym in Reno so far has enough people uncomfortable and complaining that he has been 86’d and will be arrested for trespassing if he returns to the property.

Again his name is Paul and he is over 6’ and has blonde/dirty blonde hair.

I'm going to speak out in favor of awareness posts. A big lesson learned from the Barrett situation was that he utilized siloing and isolation to control any fallout from what he was doing. His victims didn't know about each other until years later. And they also didn't know about his bad reputation. If they had, some of the incidents could have been avoided. 

We warn each other about loose holds. We warn each other about wasp nests in a crack. We warn each other about thieves smashing car windows and stealing gear. Why in the world would anyone object to warning people about an individual acting in sexually aggressive ways toward other climbers and presenting a threat to them? 

Anybody have some more Paul updates?

Colonel Mustard wrote:

Anybody have some more Paul updates?

Have not heard anything passed on to me, I would have heard from one of the gyms if anything transpired I’m assuming.
Ill 100% update if I see or hear anything though. 

I stumbled upon this thread while making a post for partners....
I am a 6'+ white dude named Paul that will be in the Tahoe area for a little bit. Please don't punch me. Just a coincidence!

Paul P wrote:

I stumbled upon this thread while making a post for partners....
I am a 6'+ white dude named Paul that will be in the Tahoe area for a little bit. Please don't punch me. Just a coincidence!

A valid concern, this particular Paul’s last name is “Squelch”.
That’s the furthest update I have as well. 

Todd Berlier wrote:

Colby here's a screenshot from IG, wondering if this is the same person:

 Unfortunately, I think there's plenty of rapists, abusers and harassers who also climb. Unlikely this Jason is also the person by a different name this thread was started about. 

Colby Wangler wrote:

Working on it, have limited info. Starting to seem like enough to attack full bore though, I’m already working with the gyms in Reno to get ahead of it also. 

Thank you for making this post. It is incredibly difficult for victims to come forward, and that is why many don't--that's part of the reason why publicly outing people becomes so difficult. What feels obvious to people outside of the direct situation is often a very tumultuous internal battle for those involved.

Being supported by 'concerned citizens' in the community is how we can start to change this culture. 

Last thing I'll add--reporting incidents to law enforcement is very important. If anyone has questions about how to do this, or wants support, please feel free to message me privately.

Bb Cc wrote:

Probably?

Killing 2 birds with one stone is usually a poor game.

You have added nothing to the conversation by saying this. Please follow Todd’s lead and delete the unneeded messages. Thanks

Colby Wangler wrote:

You have added nothing to the conversation by saying this. Please follow Todd’s lead and delete the unneeded messages. Thanks

Your base efforts are valid. When a mob begins to chant kill paul the effort is sidelined. When a mob begins to add names as if paul may have aliases without constructive contemplation the mob is not sidelined rather the mob grows and takes on a mind of its own. I think I have made a positive contribution to reign in the mob and focus rather on the individual(s).
Certainly warning climbers of monsters in our midst is a right and honorable task, provided accuracy is demanded and shouts of heresy are drowned out.

Cancel the whole thread and start fresh with more accuracy. I too wish for peace and goodwill amongst all communities without fear from predators.

Bb Cc wrote:

Cancel the whole thread and start fresh with more accuracy. I too wish for peace and goodwill amongst all communities without fear from predators.

Nobody is confused, it was all clarified. No need to delete the thread, play on. If you don’t have something pertinent to add, going on probably speaks more to your own issues when the thread would otherwise bury itself anyway.

Bb Cc wrote:

Difficult to bury a "sticky thread", thus my comment to delete this mobbish thread and start a new one.

Happy Holidays. May peace and grace fill your spirit.

I didn’t even notice it was sticky, lol! As somebody who has women climbing partners in the area, I find that highly excellent.

Pretty sure having a slight mob mentality over many confirmed harassment incidents isn’t frowned on by many…. I think it’s exactly what we need. Why have any tolerance or acceptance of that crap?