More charges have been laid, and another suspect has been named – but not apprehended – in connection with the incident at the Rudy Johnson Bridge Aug. 9.
Williams Lake RCMP said new two counts of kidnapping have been laid against Jayson Gilbert. Gilbert is in custody and already facing two counts of attempted murder in relation to the incident at the Rudy Johnson Bridge.
Williams Lake RCMP said they continue to investigate the Rudy Johnson Bridge incident and the homicide of Richard ‘Savage’ Duncan Aug. 6 in Williams Lake, which are believed to be connected.
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Police are also continuing their efforts to locate Branton Regner. Regner was deemed missing following the Rudy Johnson Bridge incident Aug. 9.
“A search of the Fraser River was suspended on Thursday evening and further searches may be conducted in the future.”
These two investigations remain active and ongoing
said North District Major Crime investigator Corporal Matt MacLeod We are now reaching out to the public to help us locate another suspect, Michael Drynock.
Michael Drynock, 23, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of kidnapping with regards to the incident at the Rudy Johnson Bridge. A warrant has been issued for his arrest and the police are seeking the public’s assistance in providing any information on Drynock’s current whereabouts. Drynock is considered dangerous. If you see him, do not approach him and call the local RCMP detachment immediately.
If you have any information about Regner, Drynock or their activities leading up to August 9, 2019, please contact the Williams Lake RCMP at (250) 392-6211 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.
No other new details regarding the Rudy Johnson Bridge have been released by police.
Williams Lake RCMP Insp. Jeff Pelley said he understands the concerns that residents in Williams Lake and the surrounding areas have as a result of this latest series of violent events.
“The Williams lake RCMP acknowledge that these incidents have had a dramatic impact on our community, the victims and their families,” Pelley said Friday. “Ongoing violence resulting in these types of heinous acts will not be tolerated and those responsible are being assertively pursued. Multiple investigative units are engaged in several priority incidents in addition to pro actively focusing on violent offenders to enhance public safety.”
READ MORE: Police release image of man missing after Rudy Johnson bridge incident and alleged attempted murder
According to a Kamloops This Week article, Michael Drynock was sentenced in BC Supreme Court in Kamloops in September 2018 to 21 months in jail and Kleon Pop to 29 months, less time served for weapons charges in relation to a shooting incident in Merritt April, 2017.
Drynock and Pop were credited with 26 months in jail for time already served between when the incident occurred and trial, which meant Drynock was no longer in custody after sentencing.
At that trial Drynock, then 22, was also convicted of assault and carrying a concealed knife with brass knuckles.
Editor’s Note: This story originally stated Drynock was from the community of Deep Creek, which community leaders say isn’t the case. Drynock does have ties to the Williams Lake area, as well as the Merritt area.
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