Williams Lake RCMP are investigating a suspected home invasion and assault that occurred in the early morning hours Friday at the Lakeside Motel.
RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson, District Advisory NCO for the North District, said police were called to the motel at 3:54 a.m. where it was reported that two units were broken into and occupants in each unit were assaulted.
“Investigation indicates that a group of males entered two of the units, allegedly assaulted the occupants and stole property belonging to the occupants as well as property from the motel,” Saunderson said in a press release. “The suspects fled the scene in what is believed to be a black SUV.”
Saunderson said the investigation is ongoing, however, police have no information to suggest that the greater public is at further risk.
“We believe this is a target isolated incident and we are actively investigating these violent offences,” said Saunderson.
Scott and Twila Nelson, owners of the Lakeside Motel, said the men who were assaulted were brothers and long-term renters at the motel who were staying in town for work.
He said the police investigation so far has revealed the men were out a local establishment and had some sort of an altercation or argument with other patrons. Upon returning to their rooms, a group of men later came to the motel and knocked on the door. When the victim opened the door, it is alleged the men jumped him and beat him.
Scott believes the victim was able to get away and run to the other room where his brother was. It is alleged the suspects chased the other brother down an embankment along the lake where he was badly beaten.
“It is more serious than we thought. We are hearing the (suspects) had guns and machetes,” said Scott, who is also a city councillor in Williams Lake. “It’s obviously a targeted hit.”
Scott credits the police with reacting quickly and thoroughly to the incident, and employing the use of video footage of several City-owned cameras located in Williams Lake’s downtown.
“That’s why it’s so critically important to have these cameras around town. It all aids in the police investigation. Hopefully they will catch these guys.”
Scott and Twila said their thoughts right now are with the family of the victims, one of which was seriously injured in the assault.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Williams Lake RCMP at 250 392-6211 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477
RCMP were still on scene at 9 a.m. Friday morning at the Lakeside Motel, which is a picturesque property overlooking Scout Island located south in the city on Highway 97.
