Mounties in a northern B.C. city are investigating their third shooting in less than a month, and say the recent increase in shots fired is a “significant concern.” The latest incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday in the 8800 block of 107A Avenue in Fort St. John, according to a news release issued Saturday. Officers from the local detachment responded to the scene, and the Fort St. John RCMP Serious Crime Unit has taken over the investigation. No suspects have been identified, police said. They did not mention any injuries in their news release. CTV News has reached out to B.C. RCMP to confirm that this means no one was injured. This story will be updated if a response is received. “Investigators have identified multiple scenes related to the incident and are continuing to gather evidence,” the release reads. “Based on information obtained thus far, police believe this to be a targeted incident.” Mounties said this is the third shooting investigation they have launched in Fort St. John since July 22. “The recent increase in firearm-related incidents is a significant concern for police,” the release reads. “While investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding each event, the repeated use of firearms in our community presents an unacceptable risk to public safety and will continue to be a major investigative priority.” Front-line officers, the detachment’s street enforcement team and the serious crime unit are working together to identify and apprehend those responsible for the recent surge in violence, police said. “The safety of our community remains our highest priority,” said Sgt. Jaime Moffat, in the release. “We recognize the concern these incidents cause and want the public to know that significant resources are being dedicated to identifying those responsible and preventing further violence.” Anyone with information related to the latest incident or any other firearm-related offences in Fort St. John should call the local detachment at 250-787-8100, police said. Tips can also be shared anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
