Two people were hospitalized and another arrested following what police called a “public shooting” that occurred Sunday afternoon at the Williams Lake Stampede..Just after 3:30 p.m., local RCMP received a report of a shooting that had occurred on the stampede's grounds at the 800 block of Mackenzie Avenue South where two people were found suffering from “unspecified” injuries and taken to hospital..One suspect was promptly brought into custody..Williams Lake RCMP believes the incident is targeted and therefore no risk to the public remains. However, one of the victims was an innocent bystander according to RCMP..“The investigation is in its infancy and no further information is available at this time,” reads a statement from BC RCMP’s Federal Serious & Organized Crime..Both victims are expected to survive..After two years of cancellations due to provincial COVID-19 restrictions, the weekend marked the event’s much anticipated return, and thousands showed up to enjoy the stampede..“The City of Williams Lake is saddened to hear of the incident at the Stampede grounds on Sunday afternoon,” reads a statement from city staff..“As the investigation continues, we will be sharing supports and information as it becomes available. Many thanks to the Stampede Association and the RCMP for their quick and effective response.”.In a Facebook livestream the event’s announcer can be heard urging attendees to remain calm..“Thousands of our patrons were evacuated safely,” said stampede president, Court Smith, further complementing the announcer for having done a “fantastic job.”.Police have not provided any detail regarding the weapon used, nor the motive behind the targeted shooting..“If anyone who has information, dash cam, or other video, and has not yet spoken with police, you are asked to call the Williams Lake RCMP at (250) 392-6211,” said Corporal Madonna Saunderson Monday..The city made Maclean’s top 10 list of dangerous cities in Canada in 2020, and the Williams Lake Tribune said 1,468 people were taken into custody in 2019 — roughly 12% of the city’s population.
Two people were hospitalized and another arrested following what police called a “public shooting” that occurred Sunday afternoon at the Williams Lake Stampede..Just after 3:30 p.m., local RCMP received a report of a shooting that had occurred on the stampede's grounds at the 800 block of Mackenzie Avenue South where two people were found suffering from “unspecified” injuries and taken to hospital..One suspect was promptly brought into custody..Williams Lake RCMP believes the incident is targeted and therefore no risk to the public remains. However, one of the victims was an innocent bystander according to RCMP..“The investigation is in its infancy and no further information is available at this time,” reads a statement from BC RCMP’s Federal Serious & Organized Crime..Both victims are expected to survive..After two years of cancellations due to provincial COVID-19 restrictions, the weekend marked the event’s much anticipated return, and thousands showed up to enjoy the stampede..“The City of Williams Lake is saddened to hear of the incident at the Stampede grounds on Sunday afternoon,” reads a statement from city staff..“As the investigation continues, we will be sharing supports and information as it becomes available. Many thanks to the Stampede Association and the RCMP for their quick and effective response.”.In a Facebook livestream the event’s announcer can be heard urging attendees to remain calm..“Thousands of our patrons were evacuated safely,” said stampede president, Court Smith, further complementing the announcer for having done a “fantastic job.”.Police have not provided any detail regarding the weapon used, nor the motive behind the targeted shooting..“If anyone who has information, dash cam, or other video, and has not yet spoken with police, you are asked to call the Williams Lake RCMP at (250) 392-6211,” said Corporal Madonna Saunderson Monday..The city made Maclean’s top 10 list of dangerous cities in Canada in 2020, and the Williams Lake Tribune said 1,468 people were taken into custody in 2019 — roughly 12% of the city’s population.
