Merritt RCMP investigating another shooting after truck stolen, dumped

Merritt RCMP is asking the public for information after a burned out truck has been connected to a several shootings in the region.

This morning, Merritt police officers responded to a complaint about shots being fired in the 2100 block of Priest Avenue in Merritt, according to the RCMP's news release. Police officers believe the shooting was targeted.

Callers identified a distinctive mid-1990s grey Dodge Ram pickup with a maroon box in the area at the time of the shooting. The truck then sped away from the scene, according to police.

Shortly after the reports of the shooting, the Dodge Ram was found on fire, according to police.

Police then discovered the truck had been stolen earlier this morning at roughly 5:30 a.m.  

"We strongly believe that this incident is associated to the ongoing investigation to the shooting that occurred earlier this week," said Merritt RCMP Sgt. Josh Roda, in the press release. No injuries were reported in the shooting.

RCMP officers believe the truck was stolen for the purpose of the shooting then dumped and burned near the Highway 5 and Highway 5A on-ramp, Roda said.

Investigators are continuing to look for witnesses and videos of the incident.

Earlier this week, police officers investigated shootings in Merritt, Coldwater and the Mamette Lake Road areas, which were all between 5 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. Nov. 15.

Merritt RCMP officers are asking local businesses and residents to review any surveillance video that may have captured the theft of the truck, the shooting, or the dumping and burning of the truck. These locations could include: the 1700 block of Granite Avenue, (theft of truck scene), 2100 block of Priest Avenue, Merritt (shots fired scene) and the Highway 5A on-ramp, just outside of the town where the truck was dumped.

Contact the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262 if you have any information relating to the investigation.

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