UPDATE: One injured after downtown Kamloops shooting

Kamloops RCMP are investigating a shooting at a downtown home early this morning.

Neighbours awoke to what sounded like four gunshots and a vehicle speeding off around 2:30 a.m., March 24.

Police showed up within minutes with guns drawn, neighbour Shannon Boulton said. She didn't see an ambulance at the scene, but she said one man was taken away by police.

The house is surrounded by police tape, where at least one bullet hole can be seen near its front door. Police have cleared the house and are guarding the scene as they investigate.

“While the investigation is in its infancy, some of the persons involved are known to police and early indications suggest that this is an isolated incident,” Staff Sgt. Troy Durand of Kamloops RCMP said in a news release.

Officers discovered an "insecure residence" and "signs" of gunshots. Police said one person was taken to hospital with "serious undisclosed injuries."

RCMP did not say whether anyone was arrested, nor did they mention a suspect vehicle.

Boulton said it's been a known problem house, attracting traffic in and out of the home for months.

She said the current people living there have been in the upstairs suite for around six months, where the problems steadily got worse. Property from her yard began to go missing and cars down the street have been vandalized. 

The latest escalation to violence is the latest and most fear-provoking after neighbours have pleaded to RCMP and the city to step in and deal with problems at the Battle Street home. It's not clear what the city would do, but Boulton said police recommended she contact the city about the problem house.

Boulton said while the upstairs tenants were a problem in the neighbourhood, the downstairs suite is occupied by a single mother who has been there for years with no issues. Boulton is worried for her own safety, but seems to worry more for the tenants who share the home.

Kamloops RCMP Staff Sgt. Del Byron initially refused to comment on the shooting beyond confirming it happened, before police eventually issued a news release.

— This story was updated at 8:39 a.m., March 24, 2023, with information from Staff Sgt. Del Byron confirming the shooting.

— This story was updated at 11:41 a.m., March 24, 2023, with information from Shannon Boulton and Kamloops RCMP.


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Levi Landry

Levi is a recent graduate of the Communications, Culture, & Journalism program at Okanagan College and is now based in Kamloops. After living in the BC for over four years, he finds the blue collar and neighbourly environment in the Thompson reminds him of home in Saskatchewan. Levi, who has previously been published in Kelowna’s Daily Courier, is passionate about stories focussed on both social issues and peoples’ experiences in their local community. If you have a story or tips to share, you can reach Levi at 250 819 3723 or email LLandry@infonews.ca.