POLICE – Newest shooting believed part of conflict between drug traffickers

Kamloops RCMP are asking the public to be on the lookout as officers investigate this weekend’s most recent shooting report.

This morning (Saturday May 4, 2024), around 4:15 a.m., Kamloops RCMP frontline officers responded to the 800-block of Sudbury Avenue where the sound of gunshots, followed by a vehicle speeding away, were reported.

Minutes later, police received another report of three men with firearms, running behind the 1200-block of 10^th Street.

A suspect was located hiding on a commercial property nearby and was arrested as part of the ongoing investigation. Police also seized a red BMW with damage that appeared to be caused by gunfire.

“This shooting, along with the previous two shots fired reports received since Friday, are believed to be related to an ongoing conflict between local drug traffickers,” said Supt. Jeff Pelley, the Kamloops RCMP Detachment’s officer in charge.

“Our frontline officers and support units including Serious Crimes, Targeted Enforcement, Crime Reduction, General Investigation Support Team, and Forensic Identification Services, are working tirelessly to address this risk to public safety associated to those involved in criminal lifestyles.”

 On Friday, May 3, just after 6 a.m., Kamloops RCMP and the Police Dog Service Unit responded to the 1200-block of 10^th Street for a report of shots fired at a residence. A silver older model Jetta was seen leaving the scene. It was located abandoned nearby on 13^th Street.

On May 2, around 6:30 p.m., police received a report of shots fired at a motel on the 700-block of Columbia Street, but the incident is believed to have actually occurred closer to midnight. Evidence was seized at the scene as part of investigation.

No injuries have been reported so far.

“We understand these kinds of violent crimes are concerning to the community, and rightfully so, considering the risk they present to all residents,” said Pelley.

“As we work to advance these investigations and hold those responsible to account, we continue to reach out to the public and ask for its assistance and support in reviewing security footage, reporting activities that could be related, and contacting police with information they may have about those involved.”

Two people were taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigations.

Police are asking the public to be vigilant in reporting any suspicious activity and to contact the detachment with any information that may be related to these incidents.

Anyone with video or information, who has not yet shared it with police, is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 and reference 20424-13098.