A specialized police team is being deployed to Fort St. John following a recent increase in violence, including three firearm-related incidents in the community over the past three weeks.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia confirmed in a statement to Vista Radio News that its Uniform Gang Enforcement Team will work alongside Fort St. John RCMP after the local detachment requested additional assistance.
The deployment follows a series of shootings in Fort St. John, including an Aug. 14 incident at a residence in the 8800 block of 107A Avenue.
Three people were injured in that shooting and taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. RCMP said the victims are in stable condition.
CFSEU-BC Sgt. Sarbjit Kaur Sangha said the Fort St. John RCMP requested assistance following a recent rise in violence, with the agency preparing to send its Uniform Gang Enforcement Team to the community.
Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen previously said she would like to send a letter to the minister of public safety and solicitor general of British Columbia, asking for the support the local detachment needs.
“We’ve unfortunately had three shootings close back-to-back, and this is something that is quite alarming,” Hansen said.
Sgt. Jaime Moffat of the Fort St. John RCMP said in a previous news release that police recognize the concerns the incidents have caused and want the public to know that significant resources are being dedicated to identifying those responsible.
“The safety of our community remains our highest priority,” she said.
Hansen is encouraging residents to not be afraid to report any suspicious or unusual behaviour to the RCMP.
“You’re making an observation and you’re making that as a report. It’s not a complaint. You’re helping the RCMP do their job,” she said.
Vista Radio News has reached out to Fort St. John RCMP for comment.
