FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) is deploying its Uniform Gang Enforcement Team to Fort St. John following a recent increase in gun violence in the city, including three firearm-related incidents over the past three weeks.
Sarbjit Sangha of CFSEU-BC confirmed the unit had received a request from Fort St. John RCMP for assistance in response to the recent increase in violence in the community.
“Our Uniform Gang Enforcement Team will be deployed in a timely manner to support local police and contribute additional resources to their ongoing public safety efforts,” Sangha said.
The announcement comes less than a week after three people were injured in a shooting at a residence in the 8800 block of 107A Avenue on August 14.
RCMP said all three victims suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Police have described the injuries as non-life-threatening and say all three individuals are in stable condition. The RCMP Serious Crime Unit has since assumed conduct of the investigation.
The incident was the third firearm-related occurrence in Fort St. John within a three-week span.
Investigators believe the shootings are targeted, but have expressed concern about the ongoing threat to public safety.
Mayor Lilia Hansen said the city is seeking additional support as authorities work to address the violence.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community and Fort St. John is no exception,” Hansen said, encouraging residents to report suspicious activity to police.
The deployment mirrors a strategy used in nearby Dawson Creek late last year.
Following a series of local shootings, the Uniform Gang Enforcement Team was sent to the city for a 10-day operation focused on disrupting organized crime, gang activity and drug trafficking.
RCMP later reported a significant reduction in gun and drug-related activity during the deployment.
CFSEU-BC said it remains committed to supporting local police agencies across the province.
“Violence in our communities is unacceptable, and we will continue to deploy our specialized resources where they are needed to help keep the public safe,” Sangha said.
Police are asking anyone with information, surveillance footage or dash-camera video related to the recent shootings to contact the Fort St. John RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers anonymously.