Cameron Cole and Justin Hunt are the focus of a RCMP warning about public safety in Kamloops (RCMP photos)

By Pete McIntyre

organized crime

Crime conflict leads to public warning in Kamloops

May 8, 2024 | 4:30 PM

RCMP in Kamloops say they have concerns about public safety after a recent increase in organized crime violence in the city.

The Mounties have issued a warning following a recent series of shots fired reports, arsons, and targeted criminal acts believed to be connected to two men involved in the conflict.

Investigators are expecting the violence to continue as both men remain in the community.

“The two men who appear to be at the centre of the conflict have been warned about the risk to themselves, but recent events also lead us to be fearful for the safety of the public at large who may live or be near the men or their associates who are being targeted as a result of their criminal activities,” Supt. Jeff Pelley, oficer in charge, said.

“Without going into detail due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, some of these incidents occurred in public venues and have included a misidentified target,” Pelley said.

B.C. Supreme Court

Crown calls for 7-9 year prison term for Vernon 'wine bottle' manslaughter

May 17, 2024

Stage 1 Restrictions

Greater Vernon preparing for drought, water restrictions to be increased 'as necessary'

May 17, 2024

How much do they pay?

District provides facts on tax impact of lakefront properties

May 17, 2024

In the interest of public safety, police are releasing the name and images of two men, believed to be the targets of future violence, and are asking the public to avoid interaction with them or their associates.

The two men the police are warning the public about are:

Cameron Ronald Cole, 40 years old:

Cameron Cole (RCMP photo)

Justin Christopher Hunt, 25 years old:

Justin Hunt (RCMP photo)

“The recent, as well as the previous targeted arsons, continue 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,” said TEU Sergeant Kevin McIntyre, Kamloops RCMP Detachment. “We are issuing this public interest disclosure in an effort to stay ahead of the violence and encourage anyone with information that may be connected to reach out to police as soon as possible.

Police are asking the public to report any information about recent incidents of violence or suspicious activity to police by calling 911.