اخبار العرب-كندا 24: الخميس 9 مايو 2024 04:28 مساءً
Police are warning residents in Kamloops, B.C., about an increased risk to public safety after a spate of targeted shootings in the southern Interior city.
The most recent incident happened Monday evening, when police were called to the Ramada Hotel on Columbia Street just before 7 p.m. PT after reports of gunfire. Officers found an injured man, who was taken to hospital, and a vehicle that had been damaged by gunfire.
Kamloops RCMP Staff Sgt. Todd Wiebe said the shooting was believed to be part of an ongoing conflict between local drug traffickers.
He said a series of targeted shootings were reported last week related to the same conflict, with report of shots fired near downtown on Thursday, on the city's North Shore on Friday, and early on Saturday, with the gunfire Saturday leading to the arrest of one man.
The suspect in Monday night's violence is shown in this image supplied by Kamloops RCMP. (Kamloops RCMP)
Police say they expect the violence to continue and are warning the community about two men in particular: Cameron Cole, 40, and Justin Hunt, 25, both of whom police believe will be targets of future violence.
They are advising the public to stay away from them and their "associates."
"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," Supt. Jeff Pelley said in a media release.
He added that some violent incidents have happened in public spaces and included a "misidentified target."
RCMP are asking that anyone with information about recent violence or suspicious activity to report it to 911.
Police are scheduled to hold a news conference addressing the ongoing conflict on Thursday afternoon.
History of criminal activity
Cole has a long history of criminal activity in Kamloops, dating back two decades.
He's been found guilty of theft, uttering threats and drug possession.
In 2018, he was wanted on eight different guns and explosives charges, and police said he was using the alias Jeff Parks, as well as the name Jake.
Cole is scheduled to appear in court on June 3 this year in relation to several charges involving firearms.
تم ادراج الخبر والعهده على المصدر، الرجاء الكتابة الينا لاي توضبح - برجاء اخبارنا بريديا عن خروقات لحقوق النشر للغير
