Kamloops Mounties are concerned over the recent uptick in local gang violence in the city.
As a result, the RCMP has issued a warning to the public about an increased risk to public safety following a series of shots-fired reports, arsons and targeted criminal acts.
Investigators believe the majority of incidents are tied to an organized crime conflict within Kamloops, and they believe it’s going to continue.
Supt. Jeff Pelley says police have increased recent efforts to help deter and suppress the ongoing organized crime activities, and credited the province’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit for their efforts investigating people involved.
At the centre of the conflict appears to be 40-year-old Cameron Ronald Cole and 25-year-old Justin Christopher Hunt.
Pelley says the two men “have been warned about the risk to themselves,” but recent events lead police to be fearful for the safety of the public who may live or be near Cole or Hunt.
“Without going into detail due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, some of these incidents occurred in public venues and have included a misidentified target,” he explained.
The RCMP believes Cole and Hunt will continue to be the targets of future violence and are urging the public to avoid interaction with them or their associates.
