UPDATE: 4:37 p.m.
Four people are dead in Penticton after a man went on a killing spree with a gun in two neighbourhoods Monday morning and then surrendered at police headquarters.
Police are saying the victims and the suspect are known to each other.
RCMP Supt. Ted De Jager said the identities of the victims are not being released at this time, although did confirm that two men and two women died from gunshot wounds.
The suspect then offered himself up at the front desk of the Penticton RCMP detachment.
“It’s an ongoing investigation – we will look at the motive and what he was thinking, why this happened and what his motivations were,” said De Jager. “We are glad he did this, because the community isn’t on pins and needles, and that the community isn’t worried that someone who did something this tragic and horrific is out on the streets. Now he is not and that is a good outcome from an investigation perspective.”
De Jager said the community was very respectful to police who shut down the city for several hours while the incident unfolded.
“Everyone stepped up, they were calling us; they were helping the police. They were bringing water to those on scene and supporting some of the people who saw what happened, they stood by and gave support,” he said. “… that is the strength of the community.”
Investigation restrictions are in place and are still limited to the 2400 block of Cornwall Drive and the 400 block of Heales Avenue near Lakeview Street.
READ MORE: Standoff with Penticton RCMP ‘resolved’
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UPDATE: 3:28 p.m.
The Southeast District Emergency Response Team was deployed near Skaha Lake Road and Yorkton Ave for an unfolding incident. Police have determined this is not linked to this mornings shootings. The matter has been resolved without any issues and police will be leaving the scene shortly.
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UPDATE: 1:39 p.m.
Four people are dead following a series of shootings in Penticton.
A suspect allegedly shot a man at downtown Penticton on Lakeview Road about 10:30 a.m. Monday.
Then the suspect headed to Cornwall Drive, about five kilometres away, where three more people were shot. All victims are reportedly connected to the suspect, and none of the shootings were random as this was a targeted incident, says Supt. Ted De Jager.
Police are looking for anyone else who may have been hurt in the incident.
The suspect later turned himself at the front desk of Penticton detachment just before noon. He remains in police custody and his vehicle seized.
Update: Four people are dead following a series of shootings in #Penticton https://t.co/PIQ0Nkroyd
— Kristi Patton (@KristiPatton) April 15, 2019
The genders and identities of the victims are not being released.
“This is unprecedented in Penticton, this is unprecedented in most of our communities, but this is exactly what we train for and what we prepare for,” said Supt. Ted De Jager.
De Jager says the motive for these shootings is not known at this time; however there are reports the incident may have stemmed from a neighbour dispute.
The Emergency Response Team is currently on Skaha Lake Road attending an armed standoff that may or may not be connected to the earlier shootings.
Downtown Penticton remains on lock down, and residents are asked to stay in their homes. A police helicopter remains active in the area.
More than 30 Penticton officers remain actively working on the investigation.
ATTENTION: There is currently an active police incident taking place in the area of Westminster and Heales.
The public is advised to remain indoors. For more information, contact the Penticton RCMP detachment at 250-492-4300. pic.twitter.com/Cvl0jw96gP
— City of Penticton (@cityofpenticton) April 15, 2019
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UPDATE: 12:52 p.m.
A man on Cornwall Drive says his neighbour was shot while working downtown, Monday morning.
He believes his neighbour died as a result of his injuries.
The Emergency Response Team along with Penticton RCMP have blocked Guelph Avenue down to Skaha Lake Road, and Skaha Lake Road to Sudbury Beach.
About a half dozen people, parents children and staff remain locked down inside the Wayland Sports for Kids facility at 249 Westminster Ave. W.
According to Annette Card owner of the former FitKidz Gymnastics Club which moved to the new location earlier this year, everyone is remaining calm.
“We’re fine, but obviously worried,” said Card. “We’re just thinking yesterday (was) Salmon Arm and today Penticton, it’s kind of sad.”
Classes that were supposed to start around 1 p.m. have also been cancelled.
She first learned of the shooting earlier in the day.
“One of parents was walking their child down here and he said there was a body there on the ground and police everywhere and helicopter,” said Card.
Police tape surrounds the scene where it is believed one man was shot in #penticton this morning. pic.twitter.com/jxIHcY0xDg
— Kristi Patton (@KristiPatton) April 15, 2019
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UPDATE: 11:35 a.m.
A local man was working nearby when he heard about four gun shots ring out in downtown Penticton.
“I came outside to check and see what going on. I saw a guy walking up the street with a gun,” said the man who did not wished to be named. “I didn’t think much of it at first when I heard the sounds because there are a few other shops around here so I thought someone was hammering something, then I saw the guy with a gun.”
He said the man with the gun allegedly appeared to be casually walking around with the weapon in his hand.
“He wasn’t in a hurry to get anywhere, he just sauntered off slowly,” he explained. “Couple of cop cars race up the street shortly after and there was a helicopter out doing circles. I saw the RCMP walk out of the house with a baby in their arms.”
It’s believed the alleged shooter was last seen walking from Lakeview Street across to Westminster Ave and over to Haynes Street.
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UPDATE: 11:24 a.m.
RCMP in Penticton are asking the public to avoid the downtown area and stay inside.
Officers are dealing with what they are calling a serious and unfolding incident.
The public is asked to avoid Eckhardt Ave and Lakeshore Drive, as well as Main Street and Power Street.
Police is asking the public to remain inside your residence, or place of work until they have issued further direction.
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Police are on scene of a shooting in Penticton.
Reports of shots fired on Lakeview Street were called in about 11 a.m.
According to a witness on scene, a man was shot while standing in a yard.
The area around Lakeview Street is tapped off by police.
More to come.
