British Columbia’s gang task force is collaborating with the RCMP in Fort St. John to address a recent surge in gun violence. Following three targeted shootings near local schools since July 22, city officials are advocating for increased police resources. These incidents have left four individuals injured and resulted in one arrest, with police actively seeking multiple other suspects.
Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha from B.C.’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) confirmed that they have been requested to assist the local RCMP and are preparing to deploy the Uniform Gang Enforcement Team promptly. Several residences and vehicles have been impacted by gunfire during these incidents, prompting concerns from Mayor Lilia Hansen about the safety of innocent bystanders.
The escalation of violence has prompted local city councillor Trevor Bolin to push for enhanced municipal powers to seize properties associated with gangs and violent activities. Bolin aims to introduce measures that would impose heavier fines on properties requiring frequent police, fire, and bylaw responses.
Furthermore, Bolin is proposing a “good neighbor” bylaw akin to one in Williams Lake, emphasizing a “three-strike” policy targeting problematic properties with fines of up to $1,200. He stressed the importance of responsible citizenship to mitigate public safety risks in Fort St. John.
Despite the ongoing situation, there is no definite timeline for the arrival of the gang unit in Fort St. John. Sgt. Jaime Moffat, the Fort St. John RCMP detachment commander, expressed deep concern over the shootings and urged the public to provide any pertinent information. Moffat emphasized the significance of reporting suspicious activities promptly to aid in preventing future incidents.
Residents are encouraged to report any unusual behavior, as even seemingly insignificant details could be crucial in ongoing investigations. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the community are vital in addressing and preventing further violence in the region.
