Reports of shots fired, kidnapping in Campbell River deemed unfounded, RCMP say

The RCMP logo is seen in Surrey, B.C., on Thursday, March 16, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A reported shooting and kidnapping at a Campbell River, B.C., home Friday morning prompted a police response but investigators later determined neither incident had occurred.

Mounties said they received reports of a shot being fired and a possible kidnapping around 7:15 a.m. at a residence on 7th Avenue.

“Campbell River RCMP responded to the area with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team,” Mounties said in a news release. “Upon interviewing witnesses at the scene, police determined that one of the witnesses had fired a ‘bear banger’ in hopes that someone would call 911, as the witness had no cell phone to call police to report the alleged kidnapping.”

Investigators later concluded that the kidnapping report was unfounded. RCMP said the witness involved was provided with appropriate medical care.

Mounties said they co-ordinated with a nearby school to ensure students, parents and staff remained safe during the morning drop-off period.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call investigators at 250-286-6221.