Image Credit: RCMP Handout

By James Peters

Violent Offences

Man charged after a wave of violence in Merritt; RCMP urge victims to come forward

Sep 5, 2019 | 11:15 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — UPDATE: Zakuti was found not guilty of the charges that went ahead in this case.

EARLIER: RCMP in Merritt are looking for potential victims after a man was arrested and charged with a list of violent offences in the community.

In a news release, Merritt RCMP say members have been “working with vulnerable members of the community” since early August because of the actions of two violent men.

Police say witnesses didn’t want to go on record with what they saw because they were afraid, but investigators have now gathered enough information to charge one of the men.

40-year-old Sevim (aka Sebastian) Zakuti was arrested in the Lower Mainland Thursday morning (Sept. 5).

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Zakuti is facing the following charges:

• Forcible Confinement
• Use of a Firearm to Commit and Indictable Offense
• Pointing a Firearm
• Possess a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
• Sexual Assault With a Firearm
• Sexual Assault
• Possession of a Firearm While Prohibited
• Choking to Overcome Resistance
• Uttering Threats

Investigators thank witnesses who came forward, and are asking anyone else who may have been victimized by Zakuti to come forward.

They say Zakuti often drives high-end luxury cars registered in B.C. and Ontario. He was recently seen in both Kamloops and the North Okanagan.

RCMP have released photos of Zakuti’s tattoos in hopes it helps people recognize him.

Image Credit: RCMP Handout

Image Credit: RCMP Handout

If you have had contact with Zakuti, Merritt RCMP ask you to call them at (250) 378-4262.