RCMP issue public warning for Williams Lake resident believed to be at risk of gang violence

It might not be a good idea to mingle with Lashway Merritt of Williams Lake.

The Williams Lake RCMP issued a public warning about the 29-year-old. Merritt was the victim of a shooting in 2022 that was believed to be gang-related, and the police believe he may still be at risk of more gang-related violence.

“Due to the threat to the public posed by this individual through their connection to criminal activity and high level of violence, police believe that anyone associated or in close proximity to him may be putting themselves at risk,” the warning says.

“The Williams Lake RCMP is issuing a public warning and identifying him in order for family, friends, associates and the public to take measures to increase their own personal safety.”


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Dan Walton

Before joining the ranks of InfoTel, Dan’s byline could be found in newspapers in Penticton, Peachland and Oliver. Prior to his arrival in the South Okanagan, he first sharpened his chops as a reporter at a radio station in Brighton, Ontario, and then newspapers in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, and Invermere B.C.
From quilting competitions to crimes against humanity, Dan isn’t afraid to cover any topic. Always seeking out the best angles - whether it’s through the lens of his camera or the voices of his Interviews – he delves into the conflict and seeks out the humanity in every story worth telling.
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