Fort St. John’s mayor is urging for increased provincial police support to address a rise in gun violence near local schools in northeastern British Columbia. This appeal follows what authorities believe was a third deliberate shooting at a residence in the city on Friday night. Specific details are limited at this time, with suspects remaining unidentified. Mayor Lilia Hansen is advocating for the involvement of B.C.’s gang task force to quell the violence in the area.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are focusing on investigating a series of shootings that commenced on July 22, where at least one individual was reportedly injured and subsequently charged. While confirmation of injuries in the most recent shooting is pending from law enforcement and B.C. Emergency Health Services, eyewitnesses in the vicinity mentioned seeing an individual being transported to the hospital by ambulance, indicating potential injuries.
Sgt. Jaime Moffat stated that the detachment’s serious crime and street enforcement units, in collaboration with frontline officers, are diligently working to identify and apprehend suspects. Moffat acknowledged the distress caused by these incidents and assured that substantial resources are being allocated to identify the perpetrators and prevent further violent occurrences.
Concerns are escalating as the back-to-school season approaches, with residents near the site of the recent shooting expressing surprise and unease over the abrupt surge in violence close to educational institutions. Each shooting incident occurred within close proximity to local elementary and middle schools, heightening fears among residents. Thomas Whitton, a local resident and father of four, emphasized the unsettling nature of the violence occurring near their homes and children. He highlighted the need for authorities to equip law enforcement and the judicial system with the necessary resources to capture and detain those responsible for the violence, particularly with students set to return to school within a month.
Helen Gilbert, chair of the local board of education for School District 60, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the risks posed by the escalating violence to innocent bystanders. As the new school year approaches, the district’s safety team is poised to address and monitor the situation closely.