By James Peters

Attempted murder charges laid following shooting in Merritt, B.C.

Apr 24, 2017 | 11:30 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — Two men are facing charges including attempted murder after a shooting incident in Merritt Saturday night.

RCMP Cst. Tracy Dunsmore says the shooting came outside a house party in the Diamond Vale area of Merritt.

“There was a member just a few blocks away, so he was able to attend within moments of the calls coming in,” explained Dunsmore. “He was directed immediately to a couple of males who were seen crossing a dark field at one of the local elementary schools. He was able to intercept the males, and took them down at gunpoint without any incident.”

“At the time of the arrest they didn’t have the firearms on their person, but they did have quite a bit of paraphernalia: empty casings, a backpack with lots of casings and other weapons inside. The firearms were both located in the school field, not far from where the males were arrested.”

Dunsmore says no one was hit by the bullets, but the intended targets identified the suspects.

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“Nobody was actually hit with any of the rounds that were fired. We did seize a shotgun, and a semi-automatic rifle at the scene.”

The suspects are 21 year old Michael Drynock of Merritt and 28 year old Kleon Pop of Williams Lake, and they are due in court in Kamloops Friday.

“Both known to police, and they are facing several firearms charges — careless use. We have put forward attempted murder charges as well, and possession of other weapons.”