Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

local drug trafficking conflict

Recent shooting incident, burned vehicles believed to be related to previous warning issued by Kamloops RCMP

Jul 8, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP are still appealing to the public for information and video footage, after another shooting in broad daylight last week.

Cpl. Crystal Evelyn says the call for information comes after a series of incidents last week. Including a shots fired report police were called to on July 3 just before 7:00 p.m. from a parking lot along Tranquille Road.

“When they (officers) arrived, they did locate vehicle that was in the water, in the river, as well as a person in the 40’s who is known to police and had injuries that were serious but non-life threatening. Since then the investigation has been ongoing,” she explains. “Later that day, another vehicle was located that was burned, and the following day a subsequent vehicle was also located. And both of these vehicles are believed to be part of this targeted shooting.”

The first burned vehicle was a silver Audi, found along the Jamieson Creek Forest Service Road in Westsyde. While the second torched vehicle, a black BMW, was found outside an address in the 1700-block of Parkcrest Avenue.

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Cpl. Evelyn reiterates that the shooting and burned cars are all believed to be related to a warning that Mounties put out in May of this year, after an uptick in violence stemming from organized crime conflict.

That springtime public safety warning followed a series of shots-fired reports, arsons and targeted criminal acts. In their statement issued on May 8, Kamloops RCMP released the names and images of two men — Cameron Cole, age 40, and Justin Hunt, age 25, who were believed to be the targets of future violence. Police also stated that the residents should avoid interaction with them or their associates.

“This shooting is believed to be related to the local drug trafficking conflict that police have already warned the public about,” confirmed Evelyn. “It’s important to note as well the time of day that this occurred. This shooting, in another public area where there were innocent bystanders who could have potentially been harmed.”

The public is urged to reach out to Kamloops RCMP is they have any information they think could be related to this ongoing conflict, or the recent shooting incident. Kamloops RCMP’s non-emergency line is 250-828-3000 and the file number is 2024-20995.