By Vanessa Ybarra

No greater risk to the public after Red Scorpion’s co-founder gunned down

Sep 23, 2017 | 10:32 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP say the risk to the public is relatively low following a brazen shooting in a west end neighbourhood Thursday night.

Konaam Shirzad, one of the leading members of the Red Scorpions gang, was shot dead outside a residence with the two suspects fleeing the scene.

Kamloops RCMP Staff Sgt. Simon Pillay says while retaliation is always a possibility, there’s no need for greater alarm to the public.

“This incident was specifically targeted at a particular individual,” said Pillay. “Innocent bystanders being affected by these acts of violence is rare. We hope that nothing ever happens which is why we continue to be focused on ensuring the safety of our streets in town.”

Pillay says the shooting isn’t a result of ramped-up drug activity in the city, adding RCMP have kept a good handle on gang activity over the years.

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“We can’t at this early stage in the investigation connect it to any particular reason except to say in these circles violence is common. Once people take on a life of living the organized crime lifestyle, these shootings aren’t unheard of but it’s rare in Kamloops.”

Another male, a 28 year old man, was also taken to Royal Inland Hospital with a non-life threatning injury caused by a gunshot.

Police continue to look for the suspects.