UPDATE: Kamloops RCMP locate, arrest one man in connection to incidents at problem home
KAMLOOPS – Police in Kamloops are continuing their search for one man in connection to an alleged assault at a problem home on the city's North Shore.
Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says in a news release that Jeremy David Bellows, 32, is from Kamloops and facing charges of aggravated assault, break and enter, forcible confinement and using an imitation firearm during an offence, in relation to a series of events at a Royal Avenue home last week.
Shane Bradley Cameron, 38, is also facing charges in the case, but police say he was located and arrested this afternoon, Aug. 27. Another Kamloops resident, 32-year-old Ricky William Denis, has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and break and enter, but he remains in custody.
On Aug. 21 at roughly 10 p.m., Kamloops RCMP were contacted by security at the hospital, advising a 27-year-old man was being treated for serious stab wounds. The victim was not cooperative with police, but investigation revealed the incident took place at 414 Royal Ave., Shelkie says.
The next day at roughly 4:30 p.m., Kamloops RCMP received a third-party report about a possible hostage situation at the same address.
Shelkie says this led to an immediate response by police, but since those in the home were not cooperating, it became a protracted situation that required the Southeast District's Emergency Response team. Some homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution, and access to the area was restricted until roughly 11 p.m.
Police responded to yet another call to the Royal Avenue home at approximately 8 p.m. Aug. 23, for reports of a home invasion in progress, although that was later determined to be unfounded.
"This entire series of events was directly associated to the local Kamloops drug trade. In any case involving this level of violence, even if the victims and witnesses are not cooperative, the RCMP will aggressively pursue the investigation," Kamloops RCMP Staff Sgt. Simon Pillay says in the release.
Police say Bellows's whereabouts remain unknown, and are asking the public for help locating him. If you know where he may be, call Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
"The violence used in this crime was particularly savage and we prioritize enforcement on the drug dealers who use violence in our community," Pillay says. "Those in charge of these drug lines often use people they consider disposable to carry out these acts of violence, knowing full well that they will be pursued by the police and if convicted, are looking at serious jail terms. This is an example of the reckless disregard leaders of organized crime groups have for their 'employees', their victims and our community as a whole."
— This story was updated at 3:25 p.m., Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, to include an update from Kamloops RCMP stating Shane Bradley Cameron had been arrested.
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