Kamloops RCMP are warning the public to stay clear of Cameron Ronald Cole (left) and Justin Christopher Hunt (right).
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Kamloops RCMP
May 08, 2024 - 4:28 PM
Police expect gang violence to continue after a string of shootings and arsons in Kamloops.
Kamloops RCMP are warning the public to stay clear of two men believed to be targeted in the violence, one of whom was charged just before the shootings started.
Cameron Ronald Cole, 40, was charged earlier this month in relation to a drug seizure last year. He's believed to be one of the targets, according to an RCMP news release issued today, May 8.
One person has been injured so far after four shootings in the city beginning on May 3. A series of targeted arsons also began last month, but police admitted today they are connected and the violence is expected to continue.
The other man in the RCMP crosshairs is 25-year-old Justin Christopher Hunt. His connection to Kamloops isn't clear and court records show numerous ongoing charges out of northern communities and Port Coquitlam.
"The recent, as well as the previous targeted arsons, continue to have consequences to the public’s sense of security and safety, and could easily have harmed an innocent bystander in the area at the time," Sgt. Kevin McIntyre of the detachment's targeted enforcement unit said in the release.
Police also warned to stay clear of Cole's and Hunt's "associates," but did not name anyone else in the news release.
Since last week, there have been two shootings at two North Kamloops homes and two at West Columbia motels.
Police have not identified any local gangs associated with the shootings nor any suspects involved. Police also haven't said whether they might all be perpetuated by one group or if there are retaliatory attacks.
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