Published: August 21, 2026 | Updated: August 21, 2026
ABBOTSFORD, B.C. â A woman shown in widely shared videos allegedly dumping garbage at Mill Lake and near Blue Jay Elementary School has been identified and issued two littering tickets totalling $1,000, according to Abbotsford police.
The videos triggered widespread anger after circulating across Instagram, X and other social-media platforms. One recording appeared to show a woman emptying items from a shopping bag over a railing and into Mill Lake.
Another video reportedly involved a more recent incident near Blue Jay Elementary School in Abbotsford.
How police identified the woman in the viral videos
Abbotsford Police Department Sgt. Paul Walker said assistance from members of the public helped investigators identify the person involved within hours.
Police also worked with people connected to the original videos while reviewing the two reported incidents.
According to police, the Mill Lake incident occurred in late July, although the footage only began attracting widespread attention online in August. The second incident happened more recently near the elementary school.
After identifying the woman, officers attended her residence and issued two littering tickets. Police have not released her name, citing legal privacy restrictions.
The Instagram post above contains footage and updates related to the Abbotsford littering investigation. Availability is controlled by Instagram.
Police condemn racist reactions to Abbotsford incident
The viral footage generated strong criticism of the alleged dumping. However, police also addressed racist comments that appeared beneath some social-media posts.
Walker said such remarks were unacceptable and undermined the values of respect, inclusion and community. Police did not confirm the womanâs ethnicity, nationality or immigration status.
The investigation concerns the actions of one individual and should not be used to target any racial, cultural or immigrant community.
Police said the case also demonstrates why witnesses should report suspected offences directly to authorities instead of relying only on social-media exposure. Videos, dates, locations and witness information can help officers investigate and determine the appropriate enforcement action.
Residents can contact the Abbotsford Police Department through its non-emergency line at 604-859-5225 or send a non-emergency text to ABBYPD (222973).
What is confirmed: A woman was identified, officers attended her residence, and two littering tickets totalling $1,000 were issued. Her identity has not been publicly released.
Sources: Abbotsford Police statements reported by Castanet and the viral Instagram update supplied with this report.
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