Shots fired at RCMP cruiser during criminal mayhem in Oliver

An RCMP cruiser in Oliver was the victim of what sounds like a drive-by shooting on the weekend.

Police received reports of gun shots coming from a property on Sandpoint Road in Oliver at around 3 a.m. Saturday, May 15, according to an RCMP media release.

Officers found a group of people having a house party but a search of the home found no evidence of firearms, a shooting or any injuries. However, an hour later, officers inside the Oliver detachment heard several loud bangs coming from the parking lot.

A Ford Ranger pickup truck was seen speeding away.

Minutes later, a vehicle was reported ablaze in a parking lot on Fairview Road and Main Street. It was a Ford Ranger, believed to be the same one seen speeding away from the detachment.

While at the scene, police were notified of another fire, believed to be arson, at a nearby pharmacy on Fairview Road. A suspect had broken into the business, lit items on fire and fled.

Once the sun came up, police discovered bullet holes in the trunk of the police cruiser.

Investigators have been working to obtain video surveillance and officers with the Forensic Identification Section are gathering evidence, RCMP said.

"This is a matter that is very concerning to me as the Oliver detachment commander," Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth said in the release. "When an individual decides to bring this level of violence and destruction to our community, all resources will be utilized to see that they are held accountable."

"Thankfully there were no injuries and there is no indication that any specific police officer was targeted," he said.

Anyone with information, or video evidence that could assist in the investigation, is asked to contact the Oliver RCMP and Cpl. Paul Symons at 250-498-4324.

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