A 22-year-old man was arrested in connection with recent shootings and what police describe as “ongoing gang conflict that spans the Peace region,” according to the Fort St John RCMP.
He was arrested in the city at 93 Avenue and 93 Street after police “conducted a take-down of a vehicle,” late Wednesday morning, Oct. 29. The arrest followed an early morning shooting that day near 96 Avenue, which left one person injured.
Mounties said the man was charged with assault, dangerous operation of a vehicle, two counts of uttering threats, possessing an illegal or restricted weapon, possession of a firearm without license or registration, altering a firearm serial number, breach of release order, and possession of body armour without a permit. Police did not say what the body armour was, but it can include protective wear such as bulletproof vests.
At the time of his arrest, he was wearing this body armour and had a “loaded firearm,” officers said. While awaiting a search warrant, “RCMP secured the residence where the male was found to be coming from and located further firearms,” they said.
After obtaining the warrant later that day, officers searched the home. Inside, “a shotgun and 3D-printed handgun were seized in addition to the discovery of drug trafficking paraphernalia,” the Fort St. John RCMP said.
Police believe the arrest may have prevented a fourth shooting in the past week — and potentially a third within 24 hours. Mounties said they believe the recent shootings are related to gang violence and were targeted.
The RCMP said they could not comment further on gang-related violence in the Peace region because the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort St. John detachment.
The man is being held in police custody until his next court appearance, which is scheduled for this Monday, Nov. 3.
