Police issue public warning about escalating gang violence in Kamloops

Police expect gang violence to continue after a string of shootings and arsons in Kamloops. Kamloops RCMP are warning the public to stay clear of two men believed to be targeted in the violence, one of whom was charged just before the shootings started. Cameron Ronald Cole, 40, was charged earlier this month in relation to a drug seizure last year. He's believed to be one of the targets, according to a news release. One person has been injured so far after a string of four shootings in the city beginning on May 3. A series of targeted arsons also began last month, but police hadn't said yet whether they connected. According to a news release, police say the violence is connected and they expect it to continue. The other man in the crosshairs is 25-year-old Justin Christopher Hunt. His connection to Kamloops isn't clear and court records show numerous ongoing charges out of northern communities and Port Coquitlam. "The recent as well as the previous targeted arsons, continues to have consequences to the public’s sense of security and safety, and could easily have harmed an innocent bystander in the area at the time," Sgt. Kevin McIntyre of the detachment's targeted enforcement unit said. Police also warned to stay clear of Cole's and Hunt's "associates," but did not name anyone else in the news release. Since last week, there have been two shootings at two North Kamloops homes and two at West Columbia Motels. Police have not identified any local gangs associated with the shootings nor any suspects involved. Police also haven't said whether they might all be perpetuated by one group or if there are retalitory attacks. To contact a reporter for this story, email Levi Landry mailto:llandry@infonews.ca  or call 250-819-3723 or email the editor mailto:news@infonews.ca . You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom mailto:tips@infonews.ca  and be entered to win a monthly prize draw. We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here https://infotel.ca/newsletter .