FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - The mayor of Fort St. John says she will formally ask the provincial government for help as the city deals with a recent spike in gun violence, including three shootings in the last three weeks.
The move comes after Fort St. John RCMP confirmed three people were injured in a shooting at a residence in the 8800 block of 107A Avenue on August 14.
Police say all three victims suffered gunshot wounds and were transported for medical treatment. All are reported to be in stable condition. The RCMP Serious Crime Unit has taken over the investigation.
According to police, the incident marks the third firearm-related incident in Fort St. John in as many weeks.
Investigators believe the shootings are targeted, but say the continued violence remains a significant concern for public safety.
Mayor Hansen said residents deserve to feel safe and encouraged the public to continue reporting suspicious activity to police.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community and Fort St. John is no exception,” Hansen said. “If people see activity that they’re concerned about, definitely reach out to the RCMP and make that report.”
Asking Province for support
Hansen also confirmed she plans to write to B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Nina Krieger to request additional support for local law enforcement.
“I will be writing a letter to the Honourable Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of B.C., and I will be asking for support that our local RCMP detachment is requesting,” Hansen said. “I would like to add my voice and the weight of my office behind what our local detachment needs.”
While Hansen didn’t request a specific police unit, she said enhanced support could come from several provincial enforcement teams depending on what investigators determine is needed.
She referenced units such as the North District Major Crime Unit, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit and the Uniformed Gang Enforcement Unit as potential resources.
Hansen said each unit has different purposes as to what they do. The RCMP will go through their investigation and will be able to determine what unit is needed.
“Do they know who it is? Do we need to put more eyes on them? Is it more about a deterrent? Do we need to break things up? Here in Fort Saint John, we want to send the message that you’re not welcome here,” said Hansen
Similar Story in Dawson Creek
The mayor’s request follows a strategy that has previously been used in nearby Dawson Creek.
Last December, the Uniform Gang Enforcement Team was deployed after a number of shootings.
The specialized policing unit is aimed at disrupting organized crime, drug trafficking and gang-related activity across Northern B.C.
Police said at the time that organized crime groups were increasingly moving drugs and weapons through rural and remote communities, including those in the Peace Region.
After a 10-day deployment, Mounties reported that gun and drug activity was significantly reduced in and around Dawson Creek due to the presence of the unit.
Hansen added that local RCMP officers are best positioned to determine what type of support would be most effective as investigators continue their work.
Investigation continues
Fort St. John RCMP say officers executed a search warrant at the residence involved in Friday’s shooting and seized multiple vehicles for forensic examination.
No suspects have been identified and investigators say the case remains active.
Police are asking anyone with information, surveillance footage or dash-camera video related to the shooting or recent firearm-related incidents in Fort St. John to contact the detachment at 250-787-8100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
“This continued use of firearms in our community is unacceptable, and we are dedicating significant investigative and enforcement resources to identifying those responsible and preventing further violence,” said Sergent Jamie Moffat of the Fort St. John RCMP.