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Shooting believed targeted

Shots pepper unoccupied vehicle, no one reported injured.
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This truck was targeted in a drive-by shooting in Salmon Arm in the early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 20. The impact from four gunshots are visible. - Image credit: Martha Wickett/Salmon Arm Observer.

Police are describing the shooting of a vehicle at a residence in Salmon Arm on Sunday, Aug. 20 as “targeted.”

In response to a query from the Salmon Arm Observer, the Salmon Arm RCMP issued a news release Tuesday morning regarding the incident that left residents in a peaceful residential area frightened.

“The Salmon Arm RCMP Detachment investigators believe this to be a targeted event and have spoken to all of the tenants of the building and confirmed that no one was injured,” states the news release.

Police say they responded to the area of 16th Street SE, Auto Road SE and 11th Avenue SE about 3 a.m. “in response to a number of calls received from residents who reported hearing guns shots. RCMP officers attended to the area and determined that there had been a firearm discharged in the direction of a parked vehicle, a nearby garage and fence at an address in the 1700 block of 11th Avenue SE.”

Salmon Arm Staff Sgt. Scott West would not comment on why police believe this was a targeted event. He did say, however, that there are currently no suspects and that police cars will be patrolling the area.

Witnesses reported hearing a vehicle speeding away after the shots were fired.

Residents who wished to remain anonymous told the Observer they were jolted awake by the sound of four or five gunshots and then squealing tires.

“People in the area are concerned as this is a quiet residential area, family friendly, near Hillcrest school,” remarked one resident.

The theory that the shooting was a warning, with no intent to actually harm anyone, was one explanation circulating.

“Our investigation into this matter continues and anyone with information pertaining to this or other events can call the Salmon Arm RCMP at 250-832-6044 or can leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS),” stated Staff Sgt. Scott West in the news release.



Martha Wickett

About the Author: Martha Wickett

came to Salmon Arm in May of 2004 to work at the Observer. I was looking for a change from the hustle and bustle of the Lower Mainland, where I had spent more than a decade working in community newspapers.
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