POLICE – Uptick in shootings prompts RCMP warning to public about risk

An uptick in violence associated with an organized crime conflict has Kamloops police warning residents about an increased risk to public safety.

The warning comes following a recent series of shots fired reports, arsons, and targeted criminal acts believed to be connected to the conflict. Kamloops RCMP investigators are expecting the violence to continue as both individuals maintain their presence in the community.

“The Kamloops RCMP Detachment’s Targeted Enforcement Unit, in partnership with other detachment and provincial resources, have increased recent efforts to help deter and suppress ongoing organized crime activities,” said Supt. Jeff Pelley.

“We are grateful for the continued assistance and expertise of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – BC in investigating individuals who are engaging in violence and drug trafficking in our community.”

Despite ongoing efforts, localized violence has continued.

“The two men who appear to be at the centre of the conflict have been warned about the risk to themselves, but recent events also lead us to be fearful for the safety of the public at large who may live or be near the men or their associates who are being targeted as a result of their criminal activities,” Pelley said.

“Without going into detail due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, some of these incidents occurred in public venues and have included a misidentified target.”

In the interest of public safety, police are releasing the name and images of two men, believed to be the targets of future violence, and are asking the public to avoid interaction with them or their associates, he said.

The two men the police are warning the public about are:

Cameron Ronald Cole, 40 years old

Justin Christopher Hunt, 25 years old

“The recent as well as the previous targeted arsons, continues to have consequences to the public’s sense of security and safety, and could easily have harmed an innocent bystander in the area at the time,” said TEU Sgt. Kevin McIntyre, Kamloops RCMP Detachment.

“We are issuing this public interest disclosure in an effort to stay ahead of the violence and encourage anyone with information that may be connected to reach out to police as soon as possible.”

Police are asking the public to report any information about recent incidents of violence or suspicious activity to police by calling 911.