Pellet gun, machete reportedly used to threaten family at B.C. campsite over long weekend: RCMP
Mounties in B.C.'s Fraser Valley are investigating another report of violence and threats made at campsites in the area over the May long weekend.
Police say they were called just before midnight on May 23 about an incident near Chehalis Lake, in a remote location along a forest service road where people are known to go camping.
According to the RCMP, some people reportedly shot a pellet gun towards a campsite, pulled out a machete, assaulted a woman and demanded the family leave the area. That family then fled and called police.
Sgt. Krista Vrolyk with the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP said the woman was not physically injured, but the incident is “obviously very concerning and criminal."
“When people are brandishing weapons, that’s a criminal offence,” she said. “We want our citizens to be able to enjoy the backcountry and camping opportunities, but in a safe way. So obviously our investigation remains very active, and we’re urging the public to come forward with any information that can help us.”
But it's not the only incident local police are investigating from that weekend.
"This is the second incident in which violence and threats have been reported in area campsites," Mounties said in a news release Tuesday.
The other incident allegedly happened on May 21, when campers at Harrison Lake say they were bullied and threatened by a partying group.
The campers told CTV News Vancouver last week that when they arrived, they were confronted by a group shouting at them, saying the whole area had been reserved for more friends that were arriving. The campers were allegedly told those friends would have guns with them.
Mounties say they're investigating those reports as well. Sgt. Vrolyk said there is no indication the two incidents from that weekend are related.
In the May 23 incident, police have released a photo of suspects in the hope the public can help identify them. One suspect is described as a white man with a black beard and medium-length black hair. He's approximately 6' and in his late 30s to early 40s, police say.
The second suspect is also a white man and about 40 years old. He's bald, has a black goatee and weighs about 250 to 300 pounds.
"These criminal acts are not tolerated and the Agassiz RCMP continue their investigation into these matters in order to hold the people involved responsible," said Sgt. Mike Sargent in a news release.
"Agassiz RCMP have stepped up patrols to these areas and the public can expect to see an increased police presence during the next few months so that everyone has the opportunity to safely enjoy their camping experience."
Anyone with information about either incident should call Agassiz RCMP at 604-796-2211.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'